Kentucky Constitution Articles 12. Cities and Towns
The Kentucky Constitution – Article XII: Cities and Towns focuses on how municipal governments (cities and towns) are organized and governed within the state.
Here is a summary of its key provisions:
Kentucky Constitution – Article XII: Cities and Towns
1. Legislative Authority
The General Assembly (state legislature) has the authority to create, alter, or abolish municipalities (cities, towns).
It can also define their powers and structures, within constitutional limits.
2. Classification System
Cities may be classified into different categories (formerly based on population, now governed by statutory rules).
This classification helps ensure that cities of similar size and function are governed in similar ways.
3. Uniform Laws
Laws that apply to a class of cities must be uniform within that class.
The legislature cannot pass special or local laws for specific cities unless they fall within a defined class.
4. Home Rule
Article XII provides for a "home rule" framework, meaning cities have some degree of self-governance.
The General Assembly may allow cities to adopt their own charters and manage local affairs unless prohibited by state law.
5. Charter Amendments
Cities with their own charters may amend them through local procedures authorized by the legislature.
However, all local actions must remain consistent with state and federal law.
Context and Modernization:
In 2014, House Bill 331 and a subsequent constitutional amendment modernized Kentucky’s classification of cities. Now, all cities are treated as a single class for most legal purposes, improving uniformity and simplicity while still respecting local control.
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