KRS 147A.116: Required compliance with laws governing open meetings and

records, procurement, a code of ethics, conflicts of interest,

whistleblower protections, and compensation.

(1) By January 1, 2018, each area development district and any board, committee,

or other organization created by an area development district shall:

(a) Comply with the provisions of KRS 61.870 to 61.884;

(b) Comply with the provisions of KRS 61.800 to 61.850;

(c) Comply with state and federal procurement statutes and administrative

regulations, as applicable;

(d) Comply with and be subject to the provisions of KRS 65A.070 by either

adopting a code of ethics or abiding by the applicable code of ethics

pursuant to KRS 65A.070;

(e) Adopt policies to address conflicts of interest for employees and board

members of the area development districts, which shall include a

prohibition on employees and board members having any interest, either

direct or indirect, in any contract entered into by the area development

district or any agency created by the area development district;

(f) Be subject to the provisions of KRS 61.101 to 61.103;

(g) Subject to the provisions of KRS 147A.070(4), adopt, implement, and

maintain a detailed and equitable compensation policy for its employees;

and

(h) Establish and maintain an independent process to receive, analyze,

investigate and resolve concerns relating to the area development district,

including alleged violations of the code of ethics or any of the provisions

of this section. The process shall include a monthly reporting requirement

to the board members of the area development district of any reported

concerns or alleged violations. If the process finds a reasonable likelihood

that a violation exists, then that alleged violation shall be reported to the

Department for Local Government, the Auditor of Public Accounts, and

the Attorney General.

(2) By July 1, 2020, each area development district and any board, committee, or

other organization created by an area development district shall provide public

access to financial information in compliance with the provisions of KRS

65.312(4).