Kentucky General Assembly passes emergency COVID-19 relief bill

After the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many state legislatures worked to provide additional relief to individuals and businesses. The Kentucky General Assembly recently passed its own relief bill, which mimics some of the CARES Act's provisions but includes additional support for those affected by the pandemic.

What Kentucky's legislation does

Administrative fees and forms. First, Kentucky's bill authorizes Governor Andy Beshear to direct state administrative agencies to waive license fees, renewal fees, application fees, forms, applications, and other administrative requirements. Even if not directed by the governor, the agencies may elect to waive the fees and rules on their own. The grace period will last until at least 30 days after the governor declares the state of emergency is over.

The temporary moratorium on agency fees and forms could affect businesses receiving tax incentives from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, as well as other benefits and reporting obligations normally imposed by other state and local administrative agencies.