All Roll Calls
Yes: 117 • No: 11
KentuckySB 112026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
AN ACT relating to a residential safe room rebate program.
Sponsored By: Stephen Meredith (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Disasters And Recovery EffortsFundsHousing, Building, And ConstructionSafetyAdministrative Regulations And ProceedingsReports MandatedFiscal Note
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Cash rebates for home safe rooms
Kentucky now offers a rebate for building or installing a residential safe room. The rebate pays 50% of eligible costs, up to $5,000 per applicant. You must live in Kentucky and plan to open the room to your community during a weather emergency. The safe room must meet ICC 500 and FEMA P-361 standards.
State fund to pay rebates
The state creates a residential safe room rebate fund in the State Treasury. It holds gifts, grants, FEMA and other federal funds, and other public or private money. Interest stays in the fund, and money carries over each year. The fund pays rebates to qualified homeowners.
How to apply for safe room rebates
The state division runs the application and approval process. Starting January 2027, it approves and pays rebates each January and July while funds last. You must submit your application within 30 days after costs are incurred. Include invoices and proof of payment, a signed installation certificate, the safe room’s location, any required permits, and a certification that it meets FEMA standards. You must also sign an affidavit that the room will be open to the community and explain location, capacity, and how people will find it. The division keeps a public list of approved safe rooms and explains any denial or adjustment.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Stephen Meredith
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Brandon Smith
Republican • Senate
Matthew Deneen
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/19/2026
3rd reading, passed
Yes: 84 • No: 8
Senate vote • 3/6/2026
3rd reading, passed
Yes: 33 • No: 3
Actions Timeline
signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 5)
3/23/2026delivered to Governor
3/20/2026enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House
3/20/2026Senateenrolled, signed by President of the Senate
3/20/2026Senatereceived in Senate
3/20/2026Senate3rd reading, passed 84-8
3/19/2026Houseposted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Thursday, March 19 2026
3/18/2026House2nd reading, to Rules
3/18/2026Housereported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar
3/17/2026Houseto Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (H)
3/11/2026Houseto Committee on Committees (H)
3/10/2026Housereceived in House
3/10/2026House3rd reading, passed 33-3 with Committee Substitute (1)
3/6/2026Senateposted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Friday, March 06 2026
3/4/2026Senatereported favorably, to Rules with Committee Substitute (1)
2/25/2026Senaterecommitted to Appropriations & Revenue (S)
1/20/2026Senate2nd reading, to Rules
1/16/2026Senatereported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar
1/15/2026Senateto Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (S)
1/14/2026Senateto Committee on Committees (S)
1/6/2026Senateintroduced in Senate
1/6/2026Senate
Bill Text
Current
3/6/2026
Introduced
2/18/2026
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