Senate Committee Passes KLC Residential Safe Rooms Bill
At its first meeting of the 2026 legislative session, the Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection unanimously voted to advance Senate Bill 11, a KLC initiative.
Due to a concerning increase in tornadic activity over the last few years that continues to adversely impact Kentucky communities, KLC’s Board of Directors voted to support legislation that would create a program to help fund residential storm shelters, particularly in more rural areas where mass storm shelters may be few and far between.
Sponsored by Senator Stephen Meredith (R-Leitchfield), SB 11 creates a pilot rebate program to assist Kentucky homeowners in funding the construction of residential safe rooms to be utilized as shelter during severe weather events. This creates a reimbursement opportunity for homeowners to construct a safe room, either affixed to their residence or as a standalone structure on their residential property, open to their neighbors and community members for emergency weather shelter.
The program will be managed by the Department of Emergency Management, which is tasked with promulgating regulations in accordance with the legislation and ensuring that the safe rooms and their construction are code- and FEMA-compliant and accessible to the public during severe weather emergencies.
Homeowners who meet the requisite qualifications can apply for a 50% rebate on construction or installation costs, up to $5,000.
Contact Info
Lauren Lewis
Government Affairs Policy Advisor
Gracie Kelly
Director of Government Affairs
