Title 032 | Chapter 001 | Regulation 050REG
PROPOSED
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PREVIOUS VERSION
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GENERAL GOVERNMENT CABINET
Kentucky Registry of Election Finance
(Amendment)
32 KAR 1:050.Political organization registration.
Section 1.
Definitions.(1)
(2)
"Minor political party" means an association, committee, organization, or group having constituted authority for its governance and regulation, which nominates or selects a candidate for election to any federal or statewide-elected state office in Kentucky, whose name appears on an election ballot as the candidate of the association, committee, organization, or group, and does not have a recognized caucus campaign committee within the Kentucky House or Senate, as defined by KRS 121.015(3)(c)1.-4. (2)(3)
"Political organization" means any committee or contributing organization, as those terms are defined by KRS 121.015(3) and (4).Section 2.
Political Organization Registration. Campaign committees, independent expenditure-only committees, caucus campaign committees, political issues committees, permanent committees, inaugural committees, executive committees, and contributing organizations shall register using the Kentucky Election Finance Management System found on the Registry's Web site at https://kref.ky.gov.JOHN R. STEFFEN, Executive Director
APPROVED BY AGENCY: May 4, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: May 6, 2026 a 2:06 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on July 23, 2026, at 10:00AM, Eastern time, at the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, 140 Walnut Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five (5) workdays prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing is received by that date, the hearing may be canceled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through July 31, 2026, at 11:59PM. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to the contact person.
CONTACT PERSON: Leslie Saunders, General Counsel, Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, 140 Walnut Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, phone (502) 573-2226, fax (502) 573-5622, email LeslieM.Saunders@ky.gov.
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Leslie Saunders, General Counsel, Kentucky Registry of Election Finance Phone: (502) 573-2226 Email: LeslieM.Saunders@ky.gov
Subject Headings:
Election Finance, Elections and Voting, Open Records
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation currently defines "executive committee," "minor political party," and "political organization," and further describes the mechanism for these entities to register with the Registry of Election Finance ("Registry") in order to report as required by KRS 121.180.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
The administrative regulation is necessary as it provides definitions for entities, registration obligations, and the mechanism by which such registration is accomplished.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
The Registry is authorized by statute to promulgate regulations to carry out the provisions of KRS Chapter 121. The administrative regulation defines entities with registration obligations and conforms to the statutes by providing a mechanism for these entities to electronically register and file with the Registry.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
The administrative regulation defines the entities who must register with the Registry and provides the mechanism to register as required by statute.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
This amended administrative regulation deletes the definition for "executive committee" from 32 KAR 1:050, §1(1). The regulation retains definitions for "minor political party" and "political organization" and the requirement for registration of any entity that constitutes a "political organization," as that term is defined in the regulation. Further, the amendment adds the term "independent expenditure-only committees" to the list of committees that are required to file as provided. This change is not an addition to the filers included, but reflects a change in nomenclature caused by 2024 HB 595 from "unauthorized campaign committee" to "independent expenditure-only committees." That bill also caused a slight change in the numbering of committee definitions, which is reflected by the updates to the cites in the amendment.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
This amended administrative regulation is necessary because the 2026 Kentucky General Assembly passed HB 139 which includes a new definition in KRS 121.015(3)(f) for "executive committee of a political party" that is different from the definition for "executive committee" currently found in 32 KAR 1:050, §1(1). KRS 13A.120(2)(i) prohibits an administrative body from promulgating a regulation that modifies or vitiates a statute or its intent, and KRS 13A.120 (4) provides that any regulation in violation of KRS 13A.120 or the spirit thereof, is null, void, and unenforceable. Since HB 139 defines the term "executive committee of a political party" in KRS 121.015(3)(f), it is necessary to delete the definition of "executive committee" from 32 KAR 1:050 Section §1(1), as said definition is no longer valid. Also, as noted above, a 2024 amendment to KRS 121.015 requires slight changes to the statutory cites in the current administrative regulation and to the list of political organizations affected.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
The Registry is given the authority by statute to promulgate regulations to carry out the provisions of KRS Chapter 121. The amended regulation conforms to its authorizing statutes by deleting the definition of "executive committee," which is now defined by KRS 121.015(3)(f), and thereby satisfying the requirements of KRS 13A. It also brings the regulation into conformity with the previous statutory change described above in 2024.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
By deleting the current definition of "executive committee," the amended administrative regulation conforms to the new definition for "executive committee of a political party" in KRS 121.015(3)(f) set out in HB 139. Further, the amendment makes clear that independent expenditure-only committees, as defined by the General Assembly in 2024 HB 595, are required to register electronically via the same system as committees and contributing organizations and are not left out of that list intentionally.
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
Yes, both 2026 HB 139 and 2024 HB 595.
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
This amended administrative regulation continues to affect a "minor political party" and a "political organization" as those terms are defined in the regulation. The regulation’s requirement that a "political organization" must register through the Registry’s electronic Kentucky Election Finance Management System found on the Registry’s Web site have not changed.
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
"Executive committees" will now be defined under the new statutory definition "executive committee of a political party" as set forth in HB 139, instead of under the deleted definition. The addition of the independent expenditure-only committees reflects a change in nomenclature only. The requirement that the affected entities register using the electronic Kentucky Election Finance Management System found on the Registry’s Web site has not changed.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
The affected entities will incur no cost in complying as the action involves electronic registration only, which is already occurring.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
Compliance will continue to provide the affected entities with continued timely and efficient access to the Registry’s statutorily mandated electronic registration and reporting system. (6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this amended administrative regulation:
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
There will be no initial cost to the administrative body to implement this amended administrative regulation as the Registry’s electronic registration and reporting system is fully operational.
(b) On a continuing basis:
There will be no additional cost on a continuous basis to the administrative body to implement this amended administrative regulation.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
While no additional funding will be required for the implementation and enforcement of this amended administrative regulation, the administrative body operates solely on General Funds.
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
It will not be necessary to increase fees or funding to implement this amended administrative regulation.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
No fees will be established or increased.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
This amended administrative regulation does not apply tiering because the registration requirements under statute are the same for all "political organization(s)" and the general provisions apply equally to anyone who must register. The statutes do not allow for a separate process for "small" political organizations, because the process afforded to all filers is the same.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
KRS 121.015, 121.120, 121.170, and KRS 121.180
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
2026 HB 139 (2026 Ky. Acts Ch. 175) and 2024 HB 595 (Acts. Ch. 107)
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
The Kentucky Registry of Election Finance is the promulgating agency. No other state units, parts or divisions are affected.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation will not result in any additional expenditures for the first year.
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation will not result in any additional expenditures for subsequent years.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation will not generate revenue for the first year.
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation will not generate revenue for subsequent years.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation will not generate any cost savings for the first year.
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation will not generate any cost savings for subsequent years.
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
The administrative regulation will not affect local entities.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation will not result in any additional expenditures for the first year.
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation will not result in any additional expenditures for subsequent years.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation will not generate revenue for the first year.
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation will not generate revenue for subsequent years.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation will not generate any cost savings for the first year.
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation will not generate any cost savings for subsequent years.
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
The administrative regulation affects the political organizations listed (campaign committees, caucus campaign committees, independent expenditure-only committees, political issues committees, permanent committees, inaugural committees, executive committees, and contributing organizations).
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation will not result in any additional expenditures for the first year.
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation will not result in any additional expenditures for subsequent years.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation will not generate revenue for the first year.
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation will not generate revenue for subsequent years.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation will not generate any cost savings for the first year
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation will not generate any cost savings for subsequent years.
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
This administrative regulation has no fiscal impact, as the filing system has no associated costs to the users. Further it does nothing to change the electronic filing requirements set out by statute, but only provides the applicable Web site for filers to use.
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
A review of the terms of the administrative regulation: It does nothing but identify a set of political organizations already required to file electronically by statute and direct them to the Web site they may use to do so at no cost.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
This administrative regulation will not have a major economic impact.
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
This administrative regulation has no fiscal impact thus no methodology was applied nor resource analysis undertaken to determine that there is not a "major economic impact."
GENERAL GOVERNMENT CABINET
Kentucky Registry of Election Finance
(Amendment)
32 KAR 1:050.Political organization registration.
Section 1.
Definitions.(1)
"Minor political party" means an association, committee, organization, or group having constituted authority for its governance and regulation, which nominates or selects a candidate for election to any federal or statewide-elected state office in Kentucky, whose name appears on an election ballot as the candidate of the association, committee, organization, or group, and does not have a recognized caucus campaign committee within the Kentucky House or Senate, as defined by KRS 121.015(3)(c)1.-4.(2)
"Political organization" means any committee or contributing organization, as those terms are defined by KRS 121.015(3) and (4).Section 2.
Political Organization Registration. Campaign committees, independent expenditure-only committees, caucus campaign committees, political issues committees, permanent committees, inaugural committees, executive committees, and contributing organizations shall register using the Kentucky Election Finance Management System found on the Registry's Web site at https://kref.ky.gov.JOHN R. STEFFEN, Executive Director
APPROVED BY AGENCY: May 4, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: May 6, 2026 a 2:06 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on July 23, 2026, at 10:00AM, Eastern time, at the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, 140 Walnut Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five (5) workdays prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing is received by that date, the hearing may be canceled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through July 31, 2026, at 11:59PM. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to the contact person.
CONTACT PERSON: Leslie Saunders, General Counsel, Kentucky Registry of Election Finance, 140 Walnut Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, phone (502) 573-2226, fax (502) 573-5622, email LeslieM.Saunders@ky.gov.
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Leslie Saunders, General Counsel, Kentucky Registry of Election Finance Phone: (502) 573-2226 Email: LeslieM.Saunders@ky.gov
Subject Headings:
Election Finance, Elections and Voting, Open Records
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation currently defines "executive committee," "minor political party," and "political organization," and further describes the mechanism for these entities to register with the Registry of Election Finance ("Registry") in order to report as required by KRS 121.180.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
The administrative regulation is necessary as it provides definitions for entities, registration obligations, and the mechanism by which such registration is accomplished.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
The Registry is authorized by statute to promulgate regulations to carry out the provisions of KRS Chapter 121. The administrative regulation defines entities with registration obligations and conforms to the statutes by providing a mechanism for these entities to electronically register and file with the Registry.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
The administrative regulation defines the entities who must register with the Registry and provides the mechanism to register as required by statute.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
This amended administrative regulation deletes the definition for "executive committee" from 32 KAR 1:050, §1(1). The regulation retains definitions for "minor political party" and "political organization" and the requirement for registration of any entity that constitutes a "political organization," as that term is defined in the regulation. Further, the amendment adds the term "independent expenditure-only committees" to the list of committees that are required to file as provided. This change is not an addition to the filers included, but reflects a change in nomenclature caused by 2024 HB 595 from "unauthorized campaign committee" to "independent expenditure-only committees." That bill also caused a slight change in the numbering of committee definitions, which is reflected by the updates to the cites in the amendment.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
This amended administrative regulation is necessary because the 2026 Kentucky General Assembly passed HB 139 which includes a new definition in KRS 121.015(3)(f) for "executive committee of a political party" that is different from the definition for "executive committee" currently found in 32 KAR 1:050, §1(1). KRS 13A.120(2)(i) prohibits an administrative body from promulgating a regulation that modifies or vitiates a statute or its intent, and KRS 13A.120 (4) provides that any regulation in violation of KRS 13A.120 or the spirit thereof, is null, void, and unenforceable. Since HB 139 defines the term "executive committee of a political party" in KRS 121.015(3)(f), it is necessary to delete the definition of "executive committee" from 32 KAR 1:050 Section §1(1), as said definition is no longer valid. Also, as noted above, a 2024 amendment to KRS 121.015 requires slight changes to the statutory cites in the current administrative regulation and to the list of political organizations affected.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
The Registry is given the authority by statute to promulgate regulations to carry out the provisions of KRS Chapter 121. The amended regulation conforms to its authorizing statutes by deleting the definition of "executive committee," which is now defined by KRS 121.015(3)(f), and thereby satisfying the requirements of KRS 13A. It also brings the regulation into conformity with the previous statutory change described above in 2024.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
By deleting the current definition of "executive committee," the amended administrative regulation conforms to the new definition for "executive committee of a political party" in KRS 121.015(3)(f) set out in HB 139. Further, the amendment makes clear that independent expenditure-only committees, as defined by the General Assembly in 2024 HB 595, are required to register electronically via the same system as committees and contributing organizations and are not left out of that list intentionally.
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
Yes, both 2026 HB 139 and 2024 HB 595.
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
This amended administrative regulation continues to affect a "minor political party" and a "political organization" as those terms are defined in the regulation. The regulation’s requirement that a "political organization" must register through the Registry’s electronic Kentucky Election Finance Management System found on the Registry’s Web site have not changed.
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
"Executive committees" will now be defined under the new statutory definition "executive committee of a political party" as set forth in HB 139, instead of under the deleted definition. The addition of the independent expenditure-only committees reflects a change in nomenclature only. The requirement that the affected entities register using the electronic Kentucky Election Finance Management System found on the Registry’s Web site has not changed.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
The affected entities will incur no cost in complying as the action involves electronic registration only, which is already occurring.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
Compliance will continue to provide the affected entities with continued timely and efficient access to the Registry’s statutorily mandated electronic registration and reporting system. (6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this amended administrative regulation:
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
There will be no initial cost to the administrative body to implement this amended administrative regulation as the Registry’s electronic registration and reporting system is fully operational.
(b) On a continuing basis:
There will be no additional cost on a continuous basis to the administrative body to implement this amended administrative regulation.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
While no additional funding will be required for the implementation and enforcement of this amended administrative regulation, the administrative body operates solely on General Funds.
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
It will not be necessary to increase fees or funding to implement this amended administrative regulation.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
No fees will be established or increased.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
This amended administrative regulation does not apply tiering because the registration requirements under statute are the same for all "political organization(s)" and the general provisions apply equally to anyone who must register. The statutes do not allow for a separate process for "small" political organizations, because the process afforded to all filers is the same.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
KRS 121.015, 121.120, 121.170, and KRS 121.180
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
2026 HB 139 (2026 Ky. Acts Ch. 175) and 2024 HB 595 (Acts. Ch. 107)
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
The Kentucky Registry of Election Finance is the promulgating agency. No other state units, parts or divisions are affected.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation will not result in any additional expenditures for the first year.
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation will not result in any additional expenditures for subsequent years.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation will not generate revenue for the first year.
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation will not generate revenue for subsequent years.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation will not generate any cost savings for the first year.
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation will not generate any cost savings for subsequent years.
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
The administrative regulation will not affect local entities.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation will not result in any additional expenditures for the first year.
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation will not result in any additional expenditures for subsequent years.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation will not generate revenue for the first year.
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation will not generate revenue for subsequent years.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation will not generate any cost savings for the first year.
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation will not generate any cost savings for subsequent years.
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
The administrative regulation affects the political organizations listed (campaign committees, caucus campaign committees, independent expenditure-only committees, political issues committees, permanent committees, inaugural committees, executive committees, and contributing organizations).
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation will not result in any additional expenditures for the first year.
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation will not result in any additional expenditures for subsequent years.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation will not generate revenue for the first year.
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation will not generate revenue for subsequent years.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
This administrative regulation will not generate any cost savings for the first year
For subsequent years:
This administrative regulation will not generate any cost savings for subsequent years.
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
This administrative regulation has no fiscal impact, as the filing system has no associated costs to the users. Further it does nothing to change the electronic filing requirements set out by statute, but only provides the applicable Web site for filers to use.
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
A review of the terms of the administrative regulation: It does nothing but identify a set of political organizations already required to file electronically by statute and direct them to the Web site they may use to do so at no cost.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
This administrative regulation will not have a major economic impact.
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
This administrative regulation has no fiscal impact thus no methodology was applied nor resource analysis undertaken to determine that there is not a "major economic impact."