SENATE PRESIDENT STIVERS CELEBRATES APPROVAL OF $100 MILLION AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY FOR FLOOD RELIEF

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 31, 2025)—The following is a statement from Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, regarding final passage of House Bill (HB) 544:

     "This effort is about delivering real help, not just passing legislation. When crises hit, families and local businesses can’t afford to be stuck in a web of delays. That’s why I was determined to drive making these funds available immediately, so eastern Kentucky gets the support it needs without unnecessary obstacles. Our region has had more than its fair share of adversity, and this measure reinforces our dedication to rebuilding more quickly and with full transparency.  

     "My focus remains on ensuring needed resources–$100 million–are made available to the communities counting on us. I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Senate and the House for coming together to make this happen."  

     HB 544, now law, significantly expands and consolidates disaster relief funding mechanisms by creating the State Aid Funding for Emergencies (SAFE 4860) fund—named after the federal disaster declaration code for recent flooding in Kentucky. The bill doubles the overall funding cap from $50 million annually to $100 million over two years, giving the Governor immediate access to $100 million to deploy emergency relief. 

     Existing balances in the Eastern Kentucky SAFE and Western Kentucky SAFE funds—about $45 million—may now be transferred into the new SAFE 4860 fund. The legislation also outlines specific eligible uses, introduces accountability measures such as reporting from the state budget director and the Department of Education, and allows some funds to be structured as repayable, depending on their use.

     The bill was signed into law Monday and took effect immediately.

     Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, represents the 25th Senate District, which includes Clay, Jackson, Knox, McCreary, Owsley, and Whitley Counties. As of January 1, Stivers has served as Kentucky Senate president for over a decade. He first assumed the position in 2013, succeeding former Senate President David Williams. As Senate President, Stivers chairs the Senate Committee on Committees and the Rules Committee and is co-chair of the Legislative Research Commission. He is also a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.