Housing

Create a new section of 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 383.200 to 383.285 to prohibit evictions of residential tenants during extreme weather conditions; amend KRS 383.245 to conform.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 383 to define "algorithmic device"; prohibit the use of algorithmic devices in setting the amount of rent to be charged to a residential tenant and provide that such use violates KRS 367.170 and 367.175 of the Consumer Protection Act; provide that the prohibition shall apply to a landlord's calculation of rent for a rental agreement executed on or after the effective date of the Act.

Create new sections of KRS 383.200 to 383.285 to provide for expungement of records in eviction proceedings that are dismissed; prohibit minors from being named in an action for forcible detainer unless the minor is a leaseholder; provide for expungement of a minor's name from an order; amend KRS 383.250 to provide for sealing of records; amend KRS 367.310 to prohibit consumer reporting agencies from maintaining information in their files relating to dismissed eviction actions; provide that the expungement of dismissed eviction actions applies to actions initiated on or after the effective date of the Act.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 278 to create winter and summer temperature standards for disconnection of service by retail electric and gas utilities; allow resumption of disconnection only after a 72-hour period during which the temperature standard is exceeded; establish a certificate of need for persons who are at risk if utility service is disconnected that can be provided by a physician, physician assistant, community-based service organization, or faith-based service organization; prohibit disconnection of service on holidays and weekends, including Fridays, and before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; allow for reconnection of service for partial payment with a payment plan; require waiver of termination fees, reconnection fees, and late fees for customers having obtained a certificate of need; require utility to make reasonable effort towards reestablishing service for a customer terminated after having obtained a certificate of need but no more than 24 hours after repayment is commenced; require separate, written notice 14 days prior to a disconnection to residential household; require that notice be distinguishable from the regular billing notices; establish font size and typeset for material to be printed on the notice; require a hardship reconnection order for persons at risk who have had service terminated by the utility after meeting specific repayment requirements; require the Public Service Commission to promulgate administrative regulations and issue an order setting forth any applicable rules and procedures.

HB 206 modifies Kentucky's building code to allow multi-family residential buildings (up to 5 stories) with no more than 4 dwelling units per floor to use a single exit stairway, rather than requiring multiple exits. This applies to qualifying residential buildings (Group R-2) and directly affects developers and building owners constructing such properties. Key safety requirements include a maximum 20-foot travel distance to the exit, corridors separating units from exits, and restrictions on other occupancies sharing the exit path. The bill does not change fire safety standards but adjusts exit access rules for smaller multi-family buildings under specific conditions.

Create new sections of KRS Chapter 367 to define terms; prohibit persons who own 50 or more single-family rental homes in the Commonwealth of Kentucky from purchasing additional single-family homes in the Commonwealth of Kentucky except for use by the person as a residence; limit the purchase restriction to single-family homes that have been advertised for sale for less than 90 days or less than 30 days if the purchaser qualifies as a small business; exempt nonprofit corporations from prohibition on the purchase of single-family homes; provide that a violation is also a violation of KRS 367.170; provide for joinder of certain parties with joint and several liability in enforcement actions.

Amend KRS 64.012 to increase and modify fees received by the county clerk; after January 1, 2027, 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, 2026.