Covington commission adopts three resolutions opposing state preemption bills, backs retention of local license revenues

The Covington Board of Commissioners voted to adopt three resolutions addressing state legislation during its Feb. 24 meeting.

Commissioner Tim Acri introduced the first resolution, R-01-2026, opposing Senate Bill 112 on the grounds laid out in the resolution that the bill would "preempt or limit local government authority by restricting a city's ability to regulate short-term rentals." Commissioner James Toebbe seconded the motion; the resolution passed by voice vote with Commissioners Acri, Downing, Smith, Toebbe and Mayor Ronald L. Washington recorded as voting yea.

A second resolution, R-02-2026, moved by Commissioner Acri and seconded by Commissioner Tim Downing, expressed support for the Economic Development Incentive Retention Act, which the text says seeks to ensure local governments continue to receive occupational license fee revenues needed to provide municipal services to incentivized corporate office facilities. The Commission adopted R-02-2026 by roll call vote with all five members voting yea.

The third measure, R-03-2026, opposed House Bill 612, described in the resolution as legislation that "seeks to impose taxes on all alcoholic sales and preempt local government authority." Commissioner Acri moved, Commissioner Downing seconded; the minutes record the vote as Yea: Acri, Downing, Toebbe and Washington; Abstaining: Shannon Smith; no Nays were listed.

Sebastian Torres, Director of External Affairs & Senior Counsel, delivered a legislative update earlier in the meeting; the Commission agreed during that presentation to add the three resolutions to the agenda. The minutes do not record public debate or verbatim remarks on the floor beyond the motions, seconds and recorded votes.

The commission's actions register its policy positions on forthcoming state bills; no additional procedural steps tied to these resolutions are recorded in the minutes excerpt provided.