Ky. Rev. Stat. ch. 344 § 344.320
Powers of local commissions
Operative Text
344.320 Powers of local commissions. A local commission may be authorized to: (1) Receive, initiate, investigate, hear, and determine charges of violations of ordinances, orders, or resolutions forbidding discrimination adopted by the city or county. (2) Compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence before it by subpoena issued by the Circuit Court of the county wherein the local commission is authorized to act. (3) Issue remedial orders, after notice and hearing, requiring cessation of violations. (4) Issue such affirmative orders as in the judgment of the local commission will carry out the purposes of this chapter. Affirmative action ordered may include but is not limited to the remedies enumerated in subsection (3) of KRS 344.230. (5) Employ an executive director, attorneys, hearing examiners, clerks and other employees and agents. (6) Accept grants, gifts, or bequests, public or private to help finance its activities. History: Created 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 2, Art. 7, sec. 703.
Kentucky Revised Statutes § 344.320 outlines the range of powers that a city or county may grant to a local civil rights or human rights commission. Under this provision, such a commission can receive and investigate discrimination complaints, compel witnesses and evidence through court-issued subpoenas, and issue orders requiring that violations stop. The commission may also take affirmative steps—potentially including remedies listed in KRS 344.230—to advance the goals of Kentucky's civil rights law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in jurisdictions with a locally authorized commission under KRS § 344.320 should be aware that the commission holds meaningful investigative and enforcement authority. A compliant operator generally maintains non-discriminatory policies, cooperates with any lawful investigation, and responds appropriately to subpoenas or requests for evidence. Remedial or affirmative orders issued after a notice-and-hearing process can require concrete changes to business practices.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants who believe they have experienced housing discrimination in a city or county with a locally authorized commission may have the option of filing a complaint directly with that body under KRS § 344.320. The commission is empowered to investigate, hold hearings, and issue orders—including affirmative relief—to address violations of local anti-discrimination ordinances. Tenant-rights organizations or legal aid offices can help individuals understand whether a local commission exists in their area and what complaint processes are available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 19, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation