Bill > HB538

This bill makes several significant changes to laws governing consolidated local governments in Kentucky. First, it reduces the population requirement for establishing a new city within a consolidated local government from 6,000 to 3,000 people, making it easier for smaller communities to incorporate. The bill also modifies the composition of ethics commissions in consolidated local governments, specifying that they will consist of seven members appointed by the mayor, legislative council, and (starting in 2029) the chief audit executive. Additionally, the bill introduces new controls on council district formation, requiring districts to be compact, respect existing boundaries, and avoid grouping multiple sitting council members together. A key innovation is the creation of an elected Office of Internal Audit, headed by a chief audit executive who will be elected every four years, serve a maximum of three terms, and have the power to conduct financial and performance audits of all government departments. The bill also gives the consolidated local government council more oversight, requiring local health and solid waste management board regulations to be approved within 30 days or expire. These changes aim to enhance local government transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in consolidated local government structures.