Imagine waking up one morning in the heart of Kentucky, ready to head to work, eager to embrace the day's challenges, only to find yourself trapped in your parking lot, encased in ice or snow. Your stairs are treacherous and the sidewalk a hazardous path that seems impossible to navigate safely. This frustrating scenario is a harsh reality for countless residents every winter, rendering many of us unable to go about our daily routines, simply because the pathways that connect us to the outside world are left untreated during inclement weather.

In Kentucky, winters can be severe, often resulting in snow-covered or icy pathways, yet there is no uniform mandate requiring landlords to ensure that their properties remain accessible and safe during harsh weather conditions. Statistics from the National Weather Service highlight that Kentucky experiences an average of around 13 inches of snowfall per year, which can cripple transportation and mobility if not properly managed.

We urgently need a statewide mandate that requires landlords to treat and plow all sidewalks, stairs, breezeways, and parking areas on their properties during inclement weather. This is not just about convenience; it is about safety and the right to mobility. All residents, including those with children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, deserve the basic right to safely leave their homes, attend school, work, or fulfill their daily obligations without fear of injury or penalties for being tardy due to unplowed paths.

The economic repercussions of untreated snow are considerable. Workers stuck at home can't contribute to the local economy, businesses suffer from tardiness and absences, and emergency services may find it difficult to access certain locations. Implementing a law ensures that landlords, who derive income from their tenants, allocate part of this to safeguard the well-being and mobility of their residents.

A clear, straightforward policy is essential. We propose an actionable plan that includes regular inspections after snowfall, penalties for non-compliance, and guidelines for prioritizing safety on rental properties throughout the state. Your support is crucial in making this a reality.

Please join us in urging the Kentucky State Legislature to adopt this requirement. Sign this petition to help make our residences, neighborhoods, and communities safer and more accessible during the winter months. Together, we can drive change and ensure a brighter, safer future for all Kentuckians during winter storms.