Senate approves bill allowing optional ex officio military representation on local planning boards

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Senate approved SB13 on third reading Jan. 22, authorizing local planning and zoning committees to include an ex officio representative from nearby military installations.

Senator Harden, who explained the bill on the floor, said the change is permissive rather than mandatory: it gives local committees the "opportunity" to include military post representatives to provide information pertinent to national security and to coordinate planning for land adjacent to bases. Harden named Fort Knox and Fort Campbell as examples and described military employment as a major economic driver for surrounding communities.

Sponsor's rationale: Harden argued the measure improves communication between municipalities, county fiscal planning and zoning committees, and military commanders to avoid land‑use decisions that could compromise installations. He emphasized the bill is a "may," not a "shall," preserving local discretion.

Fiscal and economic context: The sponsor told the chamber that military employment is the Commonwealth's largest employer with 53,600 employees and cited a $14.6 billion economic contribution to Kentucky. He also warned of foreign purchases of land adjacent to bases and framed improved coordination as protective of national security and local economies.

Vote and procedural notes: The Senate moved for passage and, after a roll call, recorded 37 yeas and 0 nays; SB13 passed. The bill was then referred for further action per the chamber's calendar procedure.