COLUMBIA, KY — Adair County Judge/Executive Larry Russell Bryant along with Adair County Jailer Buddy Powell is encouraging local citizens to support House Bill 557, a comprehensive jail reform measure that was one of the most talked-about bills during this week’s Kentucky County Judge/Executive Association (KCJEA) Winter Conference.
Judge Bryant attended the conference alongside county leaders from across the Commonwealth, where rising jail costs and the financial strain on counties dominated discussions.
“Nearly every conversation I had at the conference came back to House Bill 557,” Bryant said. “It affects every county in Kentucky, and it would be a tremendous benefit to Adair County taxpayers.”
House Bill 557 is designed to rebalance the relationship between the state and counties when it comes to housing state inmates. For years, counties have shouldered increasing jail costs while state reimbursement has failed to keep pace, forcing local governments to divert funding away from essential services like roads, equipment, and staffing.
The bill would move Kentucky away from a flat per-diem reimbursement system and toward a contract-based model that pays counties the actual cost of housing state inmates. It would also make the state responsible for major medical expenses and maintenance medications for state inmates — costs that currently fall on county budgets.
One of the most important provisions of HB 557 addresses credit for time served. Under current law, counties may house felony defendants for months or even years prior to sentencing, yet receive no reimbursement when that time is credited toward a state sentence. HB 557 would correct that inequity by requiring the state to reimburse counties for those costs.
The legislation also encourages voluntary regional jail cooperation by offering financial incentives to counties that form or expand regional jail authorities, helping smaller counties achieve long-term sustainability.
Local jail officials are also voicing strong support.
“This bill recognizes what counties have been dealing with for years,” said Adair County Jailer Buddy Powell. “HB 557 would provide real relief and help ensure counties aren’t unfairly carrying state responsibilities.”
Judge Bryant emphasized that the bill will require strong public support as it moves through the legislative process.
“This is a heavy lift, but it’s an important one,” Bryant said. “I encourage everyone in Adair County to reach out to their legislators and state leaders and let them know you support House Bill 557.”
Contact State Leaders to Show Your Support
Sen. Max Wise
Phone: (502) 564-8100
Email: Max.Wise@kylegislature.gov
Rep. Amy Neighbors
Phone: (502) 564-8100
Email: Amy.Neighbors@kylegislature.gov
Governor Andy Beshear
Phone: (502) 564-2611
Website: governor.ky.gov
“House Bill 557 is about fairness — counties like Adair shouldn’t have to keep paying state costs at the expense of local taxpayers.”
— Judge/Executive Larry Russell Bryant
Photo: Adair County Jailer Buddy Powell holds a sign in support of House Bill 557 at the Adair County Regional Jail. HB 557 would provide financial relief to counties by rebalancing the cost of housing state inmates.
Photo: From left, Deputy Jailer Brad Miller, Adair County Jailer Buddy Powell, and Adair County Judge/Executive Larry Russell Bryant stand together at the Adair County Regional Jail urging public support for House Bill 557, which was a major topic of discussion at the Kentucky County Judge/Executive Association Winter Conference.
Photos submitted by Adair County Fiscal Court.
(Bridget Compton, Adair County Deputy Judge Executive)