A bill sponsored by state Sen. Steve Meredith has been signed into law.
“As tornado activity has increased across our state in recent years, this program is intended to encourage community preparedness, particularly in rural areas where traveling to a centralized shelter may not always be practical,” Meredith, a Leitchfield Republican, previously wrote about the measure.
Senate Bill 11 establishes the residential safe room rebate program and fund, which will begin in January 2027. The program aims to help save lives during natural disasters and will be administered by Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM). Homeowners will be eligible for a rebate of 50 percent of the costs incurred to construct or install a safe room in their primary residence, not to exceed $5,000.
“Kentucky has faced 15 federally declared weather disasters in just six years and I am committed to doing everything possible to help protect our families from future weather events,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “This legislation will help Kentuckians build more safe spaces for shelter during severe weather, creating safer homes and protecting more lives.”
Homeowners who participate in the program must also open the shelter to members of the community, not just members of the household.
KYEM has managed FEMA-funded community safe room projects over the last 15 years. These have built 97 safe rooms in 32 counties with a $46.7 million value and the capacity to protect more than 44,000 Kentuckians. For these projects, FEMA has provided $35 million, the state has provided $5.6 million, and applicants have provided $6 million.
While the governor supported this bill, he urged legislators to designate funding for its implementation, as KYEM does not currently have funds available from its own budget or from FEMA.
The Senate passed the bill 33-3, while in the House it was approved on an 84-8 vote.
By Ken Howlett, News Director and Tom Latek, Kentucky Today
