All Roll Calls
Yes: 117 • No: 11
KentuckySB 112026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
AN ACT relating to a residential safe room rebate program.
Sponsored By: Michael Meredith (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Fiscal NoteAdministrative Regulations And ProceedingsDisasters And Recovery EffortsFundsHousing, Building, And ConstructionReports MandatedSafety
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Up to $5,000 safe room rebate for homeowners
You can get a rebate for 50% of your safe room cost, up to $5,000. The safe room must be at your primary home, meet ICC 500 and FEMA P-361 standards, and be opened to your community during a weather emergency. You must be a Kentucky resident and agree to share details on its location, capacity, how people will find it, and its service area. Within 30 days of your costs, apply and submit invoices and proof of payment, a signed installation certificate, GPS coordinates, any needed permits, and certification it meets FEMA standards. Starting January 2027, the state processes applications in January and July, pays approved rebates while funds last, explains any change or denial, and sets priorities for the next year if money runs short. The state keeps a public list of available safe rooms.
State fund and rules for safe room rebates
The law creates a Residential Safe Room Rebate Fund in the State Treasury. It can receive gifts, grants, FEMA and other public or private money; interest stays in the fund and money does not lapse each year. The division uses this fund to pay homeowner rebates. The division must also adopt rules to run the program.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Michael Meredith
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Tom Smith
Republican • House
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
3/20/2026enrolled, signed by President of the Senate
3/20/2026received in Senate
3/20/2026Senate3rd reading, passed 84-8
3/19/2026posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Thursday, March 19 2026
3/18/20262nd reading, to Rules
3/18/2026reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar
3/17/2026to 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)
3/6/2026posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Friday, March 06 2026
3/4/2026reported favorably, to Rules with Committee Substitute (1)
2/25/2026recommitted to Appropriations & Revenue (S)
1/20/2026Senate2nd reading, to Rules
1/16/2026reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar
1/15/2026to 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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