Rep. Nima Kulkarni

Create a new section KRS Chapter 100 to define terms; allow multi-unit dwellings and mixed-use developments as permitted uses in commercial zones; prohibit a planning unit from adopting or enforcing regulations that do not allow multi-unit dwellings and mixed-use developments in commercial zones, impose requirements on multi-unit dwellings or mixed-use developments more restrictive than other uses in a zone, or require certain parking restrictions on multi-unit dwellings or mixed-use developments.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 100 to define "accessory dwelling unit"; allow accessory dwelling unit as a permitted use in all residential zones; prohibit a planning unit from adopting regulations which would not allow a property owner to have one accessory dwelling unit on the owner's property, impose requirements on accessory dwelling units different than those placed on single-family homes, or assess additional fees on accessory dwelling units; allow a planning unit to enforce regulations that require notification of the construction of a new accessory dwelling unit, prohibit more than one accessory dwelling unit on a property, assess a one-time fee of $250 at the time the accessory dwelling unit is created, and prohibit the accessory dwelling unit's use as a short-term rental.

Maddy summaryHB 579 modifies Kentucky's building code to allow multi-unit residential buildings (R-2 occupancy) with fewer than six stories to use a single exit stairway, primarily affecting new residential construction projects. Key provisions require buildings to have no more than four dwelling units per floor, include corridors separating unit doors from exits, limit travel distance to exits to 20 feet, and ensure maximum travel distance within the building does not exceed 125 feet. The bill also mandates specific safety features like fire-rated doors and prohibits direct access from other building areas like parking garages to the single exit stairway. This change aims to provide flexibility for smaller residential developments while maintaining safety standards.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 383 to provide automatic expungement of records upon dismissal of actions for forcible entry and detainer; amend KRS 383.250 to provide for sealing of records.

Create new sections of KRS Chapter 431 to define terms; require governmental entities to submit specified data to the Office of the Kentucky Center for Statistics regarding fines and fees assessed; require the Office of the Kentucky Center for Statistics to make disaggregated data available on its website; publish an annual report and submit the report to the Legislative Research Commission, the director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, and the Governor by November 30 of each year beginning November 30, 2026; amend KRS 151B.133 to establish authority for the promulgation of administrative regulations by the Office of the Kentucky Center for Statistics related to the collection of data provided under the Act; provide that the Act may be cited as the Fines and Fees Reporting Act; EFFECTIVE January 1, 2026.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 338 to require employers to develop emergency action plans for the workplace; establish minimum requirements for the plans.

Amend KRS 141.019, relating to income tax, to define terms; allow a deduction from gross income for union dues and professional membership dues paid for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, but before January 1, 2030; amend KRS 131.190 to allow the Department of Revenue to report on the exclusion; make technical changes.

Amend KRS 64.012 to increase and modify fees received by the county clerk; after January 1, 2026, allow recalculation using the CPI-U, with the fee increase going to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund; apply to fees received by county clerks for services provided on or after August 1, 2025.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 141 to establish an income tax credit for employers that maintain an aprenticeship program and hire apprentices; amend KRS 141.0205 to order the credit; amend KRS 131.190 to allow the Department of Revenue to report on the credit.

Amend KRS 186.032 to define "communication disorder"; allow the Transportation Cabinet to promulgate administrative regulations to identify other communication disorders; establish that information may be included in the Kentucky vehicle registration system database indicating that a regular passenger of the vehicle may be deaf or hard of hearing or have a communication disorder.