Kentucky lawmakers advance HB 744 for electronic vendor payments amid mail delays

The House Standing Committee on Local Government convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss key legislative proposals aimed at improving county operations and addressing pressing issues faced by local governments in Kentucky.

The meeting began with a focus on House Bill 744, which seeks to modernize the county payment system. A representative highlighted the challenges posed by delayed mail deliveries and check washing, a security concern where checks are altered after being issued. The representative noted that over 92 checks had to be voided in the past fiscal year due to these issues, leading to significant administrative burdens. The proposed bill would allow counties to pay vendors electronically while still requiring necessary approvals, thereby enhancing security and ensuring timely payments to small vendors who rely on prompt transactions.

Following the discussion, the committee voted on House Bill 744, which passed with favorable expression, indicating strong support for the proposed changes. The chair thanked the representatives for their contributions and acknowledged the importance of the bill in addressing the current inefficiencies in the payment process.

The meeting then transitioned to Senate Bill 10, presented by Senator Robbie Mills. This legislation aims to enhance retiree health benefits for the County Employees Retirement System (CERS) career retirees. Senator Mills explained that the bill is the result of extensive collaboration between employees and employers over the past year and a half, addressing concerns about the adequacy of the retired health subsidy established in 2003. The committee members were invited to engage with the representatives from various associations present to discuss the implications of the proposed enhancements.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to improving local government operations through legislative action. The successful passage of House Bill 744 and the ongoing discussions surrounding Senate Bill 10 reflect a proactive approach to addressing the needs of county officials and retirees in Kentucky. Further steps will be taken to advance these bills through the legislative process.