Kentucky

Open Meetings Act

Formally: Kentucky Open Meetings Act

Ky. Rev. Stat. §§ 61.800–61.850

Read the statute →

Sunshine Score: 42/100 (moderate)
42/100

Sunshine Score

42/100
Weak
Methodology v0.1
Advance Notice 1 day
Public Comment Not required, remote allowed, written accepted
Closed Sessions 5 permitted categories
Minutes Required
Recording Not required
Remote Participation Allowed
Enforcement Voidable, legislature exempt

Agenda & Notice Requirements

Regular Meetings
1 day
Special Meetings
1 day
Emergency Meetings
0 hours

Online posting: Not required

Schedule of regular meetings set by ordinance/resolution; special meeting notice with agenda delivered at least 24 hours before meeting; no agenda required for regular meetings

Agenda changes at meeting: Allowed — majority vote

Public Participation

Public Comment
Not required
Written Comment
Allowed

Kentucky Open Meetings Act (KRS § 61.800 et seq.) does not require a public comment period. Public agencies set their own rules for comment and participation.

Virtual Meetings

Member Remote Participation
Allowed
Counts Toward Quorum
Yes
Public Remote Comment
Allowed

Allowed under KRS 61.826 (as amended by 2022 HB 453); public agencies may hold meetings entirely by video teleconference without a physical anchor location. Remote members count toward quorum. If two or more members share a location, that location must be open to the public.

Closed Sessions

Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances

Permitted Categories

Meeting Minutes

Minutes Required
Yes
Publication Deadline
30 days

Online posting: Not required

Content requirements: date, time, location, members present, record of all official actions taken (KRS § 61.835)

Recording & Broadcast

Recording Required
No
Broadcast Required
No

Enforcement

Violation Effect
Voidable
Standing to Sue
Any person, Attorney General
Enforcement Body
Circuit Court, Attorney General

Scope

This law applies to:

  • City
  • County
  • School District
  • Special District

Legislature: Exempt (follows own rules)

Accessibility & Language Access

ADA accessibility: ADA Title II applies to all public meetings. The state statute does not add requirements beyond federal law; reasonable accommodations must be provided on request.

Language access: No statutory language-access mandate beyond federal Civil Rights Act Title VI obligations for recipients of federal funds.

Sources & References

← Back to Open Meetings & Public Notice Laws

The specific rules for Kentucky may differ from this general description. Consult the full statute for details.