Friday, March 6, 2026, marked the 42nd day of the 60-day legislative session. The deadline has passed for filing bills in this year’s session. To date, 1,297 bills have been introduced.
A note on this report: Bills that are not likely to move this session have been removed. If they begin to move, they will be added in again.
KACP PRIORITIES
KLEFPF Increase/budget
The House has submitted its version of the budget, HB 500, which includes a 2% increase for KLEFPF applicable to each year of the biennium. KACP will advocate for the inclusion of this increase in the Senate’s forthcoming budget version.
[KY] HB500 Kentucky State/Executive Branch Budget, 2026-2028
DECLARATION: Watch
DESCRIPTION: Comprehensive budget act appropriating funds and establishing conditions for the operations, maintenance, and functioning of Kentucky’s Executive Branch for fiscal years 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028. Includes detailed appropriations, capital projects, fund transfers, tobacco settlement allocations, and budgetary policies.
SUMMARY: This bill enacts the operating and capital budgets for Kentucky’s Executive Branch for fiscal years 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028. It appropriates funds from the General Fund, Road Fund, Restricted Funds, Federal Funds, Bond Funds, and other sources to various state agencies, offices, and programs. The bill sets conditions for spending, debt service, salary increments, benefits, fund transfers, and capital construction projects. It directs the allocation of tobacco settlement funds, mandates reporting and fiscal controls, and establishes budget reduction and surplus expenditure plans.
CURRENT ACTION: to Appropriations & Revenue (S)
PREVIOUS ACTION: Passed the Senate awaiting a committee assignment in the House.
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Jason Petrie
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-27
Health insurance funding is now included in the latest version of the budget
Officer Safety Legislation
[KY] SB104 Impediment of First Responders—New Offense and Expanded Definition
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: Establishes a new criminal offense related to approaching or interfering with first responders, including specific definitions and penalties.
SUMMARY: This bill creates a new section in KRS Chapter 519 that defines the offense of impeding a first responder. It expands the definition of ‘first responder’ to include probation or parole officers, university police officers, and airport police officers. It specifies that a person commits this offense if they knowingly approach or remain within twenty-five feet of a first responder after being verbally warned not to, with the intent to impede duties, threaten harm, or harass. ‘Harass’ is defined as intentionally causing substantial emotional distress without legitimate purpose. The penalties escalate from a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense to a Class D felony for subsequent offenses.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (H)
PREVIOUS ACTION: Passed the Senate awaiting a committee assignment in the House.
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Matt Nunn
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-22
Adjustments to Contract Employment Benefits
KACP is actively collaborating with the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) and the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association (KSA) to advocate revisions to the existing statute concerning health insurance premiums for contract employees. At present, state law explicitly prohibits cities or counties from paying health insurance premiums for contract employees. The proposed legislative change would modify the current statute to grant cities or counties permissive authority to provide health insurance premium payments for their contract employees, should they choose to do so.
As part of our ongoing efforts, we have been actively collaborating with the Sponsor of HB 213 to propose and implement changes to this piece of legislation. During our review and discussions, some concerns have emerged regarding the language used in HB 213
Legislators have raised significant concerns about a specific provision within the proposed bill. This provision would permit officers who opted for early retirement after completing 15 years of service and reaching the age of 55 to engage in contract employment. Many lawmakers see this as a potential expansion of the existing program, which has historically faced opposition from several legislators.
KACP has raised concerns about allowing officers who retire early after 15 years of service and at least 55 years old to take contract jobs. Their primary concern is that permitting these early retired officers to engage in such employment could be seen as an expansion of the current program. This potential broadening of the program is particularly significant, as many legislators have previously objected to similar expansions. KACP’s position reflects ongoing apprehension about the implications of modifying the program in ways that have not garnered widespread legislative support.
This bill recently passed by the House is now moving forward to the Senate. According to current discussions, substantial modifications are expected to be made by the Senate. One of the primary changes under consideration involves requiring employers to pay the normal cost contribution to the Kentucky Employee Retirement System (KERS) or the County Employee Retirement System (CERS).
- KERS Nonhazardous: 8.44%
- KERS Hazardous: 23.74%
- CERS Nonhazardous: 18.62%
- CERS Hazardous: 35.73%
If this change is enacted, employers, including police departments across the Commonwealth, will face a substantial increase in costs.
KACP strongly opposes these proposed amendments and will advocate against their implementation.
[KY] HB930 Juvenile Justice Reform and Related Criminal Procedure Amendments
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: This bill makes extensive changes to Kentucky’s juvenile justice statutes, including new requirements for cost reimbursement, procedures for public hearings, expanded notification requirements for schools, the elimination of the family accountability, intervention, and response teams, changes to transfer and disposition procedures, and adjustments to record confidentiality and access.
SUMMARY: The bill creates a new section in KRS Chapter 635 requiring courts to order parents/guardians to reimburse the Department of Juvenile Justice for the costs of juvenile commitment under certain findings. It repeals statutes related to family accountability, intervention, and response teams (FAIR teams), removing references throughout the law. The bill establishes detailed procedures for opening certain juvenile court hearings to the public, with criteria and appellate rights. It expands school notification requirements to include both superintendents and directors of pupil personnel, as well as school resource officers, for various juvenile court actions. The bill adjusts confidentiality provisions, authorizes greater access to juvenile records for peace officers, and allows for written note-taking at hearings under restrictions. The bill increases the maximum length of detention and commitment terms for certain juvenile offenses, adds grounds for transfer to Circuit Court as an adult for violent offenses with firearms, and revises the offenses and penalties for unlawful transactions with minors. It also provides new requirements for the involvement of victim advocates at evidentiary hearings for minors in protection order cases, and adds cost reimbursement and restitution procedures for parents/guardians in juvenile cases.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (H)
PREVIOUS ACTION: to Committee on Committees (H)
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Jared Bauman
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-03-04
[KY] HB652 Transfer and Funding of School Mapping Data Program Administration
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: This act transfers administration of the School Mapping Data Program from the Center for School Safety to the Kentucky 911 Services Board, appropriates funds for the program, and makes related conforming statutory changes. It also declares an emergency for immediate effect.
SUMMARY: The bill removes all references to the Center for School Safety as administrator of the School Mapping Data Program and assigns these duties to the Kentucky 911 Services Board. It authorizes the Board to oversee, verify, and manage the program, including contracting for services, applying for grants, and ensuring data accuracy. The Board is given explicit statutory authority to administer the program. The Center for School Safety’s duties related to the program are repealed. The bill appropriates $5,000,000 per year for two years to support the program and declares the act to take effect immediately upon passage.
CURRENT ACTION: reassigned to Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (H)
PREVIOUS ACTION: reassigned to Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (H)
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Steve Bratcher
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-02-17
[KY] HB299 Criminalization of Machine Gun Conversion Devices
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: Creates a new criminal offense for possessing, obtaining, receiving, selling, or using machine gun conversion devices, with certain exceptions.
SUMMARY: This bill creates a new section in KRS Chapter 527 making it a Class C felony to knowingly possess, obtain, receive, sell, or use a part or combination of parts designed and intended to convert a handgun into a machine gun. The bill defines ‘machine gun’ by reference to federal law and provides exceptions for law enforcement, registered firearms or parts, and devices that increase rate of fire without enabling a semiautomatic firearm to fire more than two shots per trigger function.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PREVIOUS ACTION: Passed the House, awaiting committee assignment in the Senate.
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Jason Nemes
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-09
[KY] SR83 Resolution Honoring Officer Nick Wilt on His Retirement
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: A resolution honoring Officer Nick Wilt for his service, bravery, and retirement from the Louisville Metro Police Department.
SUMMARY: This resolution commends Officer Nick Wilt for his heroic actions during the Old National Bank shooting, congratulates him on his retirement, and directs the Senate Clerk to transmit a copy of the resolution for presentation.
CURRENT ACTION: to Senate Floor
PREVIOUS ACTION: to Senate Floor
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Gerald Neal
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-02-05
[KY] HB567 Revisions to Kentucky Open Records Act Residency and Application Requirements
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: This bill amends the definitions and procedures related to residency and identification requirements for Kentucky’s open records law, modifies agency display and form language, and clarifies eligible applicants.
SUMMARY: The bill narrows and clarifies the definition of “resident of the Commonwealth” for open records requests, eliminating authorization for representatives and requiring certain business entities to have a physical presence in Kentucky. It adds requirements for government-issued photo identification, with exceptions, when making records requests. The bill also updates language concerning agency websites and forms, and specifies that certain sections of residency apply to identification statements in requests.
CURRENT ACTION: floor amendment (1) filed
PREVIOUS ACTION: floor amendment (1) filed
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Patrick Flannery
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-02-05
LEGISLATION KACP SUPPORTS
[KY] HB4 Criminalization of Grooming a Minor and Related Professional Discipline Updates
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: Creates the crime of grooming a minor. Amends definitions and disciplinary provisions in various professional licensing statutes to incorporate new definitions, penalties, and terminology, including technical corrections.
SUMMARY: The bill creates a new criminal offense of grooming a minor and provides definitions and penalties for the offense. It amends multiple sections of Kentucky law to add or revise definitions, clarify disciplinary actions for professional licensure boards, and update statutory language related to sexual offenses and professional conduct. The bill includes technical corrections for gender-neutral and modernized language, cross-references, and procedural updates across impacted statutes.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PREVIOUS ACTION: Passed the House awaiting a committee assignment in the Senate.
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Marianne Proctor
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-13
[KY] HB182 Expansion and Clarification of Duty-Related Disability Benefits and Health Insurance in Kentucky Retirement Systems
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: This bill expands and clarifies eligibility and benefits for duty-related disability and death in state-administered retirement systems for nonhazardous employees, modifies definitions and benefit structures, and amends health insurance contribution and eligibility rules.
SUMMARY: The bill amends Kentucky statutes to enhance and clarify duty-related disability and death benefits for nonhazardous employees in state-administered retirement systems. It broadens the definition and eligibility for duty-related injury benefits, creates a new benefit tier for employees disabled in nonhazardous positions that could be certified as hazardous, and makes corresponding changes to health insurance contributions and eligibility. The bill also provides a retroactive application window for certain employees whose last day of paid employment was between January 1, 2022, and the effective date of the Act. It updates terminology for consistency and expands health insurance coverage and premium payment rules for disabled and deceased members and their families.
CURRENT ACTION: to State Government (H)
PREVIOUS ACTION: to State Government (H)
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Ashley Tackett Laferty
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-07
[KY] HB189 Pedestrian Restrictions and Safety Standards on State-Maintained Rights-of-Way
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: Establishes new restrictions on stationary pedestrian activity within state-maintained rights-of-way not designated for pedestrian use and authorizes local governments to permit exceptions under specific criteria. Updates and reorganizes existing pedestrian-related statutes with technical and minor substantive changes.
SUMMARY: Creates a new section in KRS Chapter 189 prohibiting individuals from sitting, kneeling, reclining, standing, or remaining stationary in non-pedestrian-designated portions of state-maintained rights-of-way, with exceptions for emergencies, authorized workers, and those in pedestrian areas. Allows local governments to enact ordinances permitting limited exceptions under objective criteria and with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet oversight. Authorizes the Transportation Cabinet to set minimum pedestrian safety standards by regulation. Amends KRS 189.570 to conform language, add gender-neutral references, reorganize certain subsections, and add reference to violations of the new section as a prohibited pedestrian act.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PREVIOUS ACTION: Passed the House, awaiting committee assignment in the Senate.
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Kevin Jackson
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-07
[KY] HB220 Amendments to Pension Spiking Rules in Kentucky Public Pensions Authority Systems
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: This bill amends KRS 61.598 regarding pension spiking rules and creates requirements for retroactive benefit adjustments by the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority.
SUMMARY: The bill clarifies and expands the definition of ‘bona fide promotion or career advancement’ to explicitly include certain retroactive pay increases for specified employee classes. It applies these provisions retroactively to members who retired on or after July 1, 2021, and directs the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority to review and adjust benefits for affected retirees accordingly.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PREVIOUS ACTION: Passed the House awaiting a committee assignment in the Senate.
PRIMARY SPONSOR: John Blanton
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-07
[KY] HB422 Comprehensive Sentencing and Parole Reform (Logan’s Law)
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: This bill makes substantial changes to Kentucky’s statutes regarding criminal sentencing, parole eligibility, definitions and procedures surrounding mental illness in criminal cases, mandatory reentry supervision, persistent felony offender provisions, and related procedural and reporting requirements. It also cites the Act as Logan’s Law.
SUMMARY: The bill increases the minimum parole eligibility for violent offenders serving life sentences from 25 to 35 years, and makes corresponding changes to sentencing options for capital offenses and attempts to murder a first responder. It revises mandatory reentry supervision exemptions, adds requirements for mental illness and insanity verdicts, and amends procedures for treatment of defendants found guilty but mentally ill. The bill also modifies the requirements for consecutive sentences in certain cases, updates definitions and processes related to mental health in criminal cases, expands data reporting requirements, and revises persistent felony offender sentencing. The Act is officially titled Logan’s Law.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PREVIOUS ACTION: Passed the House awaiting a committee assignment in the Senate.
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Daniel Fister
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-16
[KY] HB448 Background Checks and Juvenile Records Disclosure Reform
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: Creates new provisions for Kentucky criminal justice agencies to provide criminal history records information for federal background checks; amends confidentiality of juvenile court records to permit such disclosures.
SUMMARY: Establishes definitions for ‘criminal history records information,’ ‘criminal justice agency,’ and ‘requesting agency.’ Requires Kentucky criminal justice agencies to provide criminal history records information to federal agencies or their contractors for background checks under 5 U.S.C. sec. 9101, and allows a $25 fee to be charged (except to Kentucky state agencies). Amends confidentiality provisions for juvenile court records to exempt disclosures for these federal background checks, and clarifies prohibitions on unauthorized disclosure, access, or destruction of confidential records. Adds or renumbers subsections for clarity and to incorporate new exceptions.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PREVIOUS ACTION: Passed the House awaiting a committee assignment in the Senate.
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Tony Hampton
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-21
[KY] HB516 Retirement Benefits for Probationary Employment – Service Credit Purchase and Definitions
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: Makes changes to retirement benefits and service credit purchases for probationary employment under the County Employees Retirement System, including allowing certain probationary employees to purchase service credit and extending specific line-of-duty benefit eligibility.
SUMMARY: This bill amends KRS 61.552 and KRS 78.510 to allow employees who served in probationary positions ineligible for participation in the County Employees Retirement System to purchase retirement service credit under specified conditions. It sets the cost and employer contribution procedures for such service purchases, permits employer election to pay contributions, and clarifies that service credit is granted only upon full payment. The bill also provides that, solely for line-of-duty death or disability benefits, individuals in probationary positions are considered ’employees,’ ‘members,’ and ‘participating’ for benefit eligibility purposes.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PREVIOUS ACTION: Passed the House awaiting a committee assignment in the Senate.
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Chris Lewis
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-29
[KY] HB901 County Employees Retirement System: Tier II Benefit Election for Hazardous Positions
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: Allows employers in the County Employees Retirement System (CERS) to make a one-time, irrevocable election to provide Tier II retirement benefits to hazardous position employees who would otherwise accrue Tier III benefits. Establishes the process, conditions, and funding requirements for such conversions and related service credit transfers.
SUMMARY: Creates a new section authorizing CERS employers, effective July 1, 2027, to elect to provide Tier II retirement benefits to hazardous position employees who would otherwise receive Tier III benefits. Employees in hazardous positions on the employer’s election date may irrevocably choose Tier II benefits for future service, with their Tier III service converted to Tier II for benefit calculation. New hazardous employees after the election date will automatically receive Tier II benefits for prospective service. The bill outlines procedures for cost estimates, actuarial funding, and the transfer of employer credits to the retirement allowance account. It also amends multiple statutes to accommodate service conversion and clarify related administrative processes and exclusions.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (H)
PREVIOUS ACTION: to Committee on Committees (H)
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Matthew Lehman
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-03-04
[KY] HB927 Disability Retirement Benefit Eligibility Changes for County Employees Retirement System
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: Expands eligibility for disability retirement benefits for certain nonhazardous employees in the County Employees Retirement System who are injured in the line of duty in positions that could be certified as hazardous.
SUMMARY: This bill adds an exception to the service requirement for disability retirement in the County Employees Retirement System: the service requirement is waived for members working in a nonhazardous position that could be certified as hazardous if they are injured in the line of duty and become incapacitated. It also establishes that individuals whose last day of paid employment was in such a position between January 1, 2022 and the effective date of this Act may retroactively apply for disability retirement benefits, provided they submit an application by January 1, 2027.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (H)
PREVIOUS ACTION: to Committee on Committees (H)
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Ashley Tackett Laferty
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-03-04
[KY] SB10 Constitutional Amendment: Limits on Gubernatorial Pardons and Commutations
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: A proposed constitutional amendment restricting the Governor of Kentucky from granting pardons or commuting sentences during a specified period before and after gubernatorial elections, along with various clarifying and technical changes to related constitutional sections.
SUMMARY: This bill proposes an amendment to the Kentucky Constitution to prohibit the Governor from granting pardons or commuting sentences during the period beginning 60 days prior to the gubernatorial election and ending on the fifth Tuesday after the election. The amendment also updates language throughout Sections 77 and 240 for clarity and gender neutrality, and ensures all gubernatorial pardons after dueling are subject to the new restrictions. The bill outlines procedures for submission and publication of the amendment to the voters for ratification.
CURRENT ACTION: received in House
PREVIOUS ACTION: Passed the Senate awaiting a committee assignment in the House.
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Christian McDaniel
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-08
[KY] SB28 Phone-Down Kentucky Act: Hands-Free Driving and Electronic Device Restrictions
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: This bill repeals and reenacts laws regarding the use of mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle in Kentucky, expands definitions, establishes comprehensive prohibitions and exceptions, revises penalties, and directs fine allocations to specific state funds. It also mandates signage and creates a courtesy warning period.
SUMMARY: The legislation significantly tightens restrictions on the use of mobile electronic devices by drivers on Kentucky roadways. It broadly defines ‘mobile electronic device’, bans holding or supporting such devices while driving, and prohibits reading, composing, or transmitting text and viewing moving images on these devices. Several exceptions are outlined, including for hands-free use, emergencies, navigation, certain occupational uses, and manufacturer-installed equipment. Law enforcement’s authority for enforcement is limited, and custodial arrests, searches, or device seizures are not permitted solely for violations. The fine for violations is set at $100, with revenues allocated to funds benefiting brain injury, trauma care, and veterans. For a defined period, only courtesy warnings are to be issued. The Act is titled the “Phone-Down Kentucky Act.”
CURRENT ACTION: received in House
PREVIOUS ACTION: Passed the Senate awaiting a committee assignment in the House.
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Jimmy Higdon
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-06http://ka
[KY] SB138 Jayden’s Law: Child Protection and Criminal Penalties Reform
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: This legislation enacts significant reforms to Kentucky law regarding child abuse, child-care center regulation, criminal penalties for offenses against children, and parental rights termination, aiming to strengthen child protection.
SUMMARY: Jayden’s Law introduces a new capital offense for child abuse homicide, expands criminal abuse statutes to cover victims under eighteen (18), increases penalties for abuse-related crimes against children, sets new requirements for video surveillance in child-care centers, and amends procedures and grounds for termination of parental rights in cases involving child injury or death. The law tightens regulations and oversight around child-care, increases penalties for child-related offenses, and strengthens legal mechanisms for protecting children from abuse and neglect.
CURRENT ACTION: to Judiciary (S)
PREVIOUS ACTION: to Judiciary (S)
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Brandon Smith
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-29
[KY] SB159 Missing and Unidentified Persons Reporting and Law Enforcement Training Revisions
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: Adds requirements for local law enforcement agencies regarding reporting of missing and unidentified persons to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), including the creation of a specific written policy and procedures manual.
SUMMARY: This bill amends KRS 15.440 by adding a new requirement for local police departments to have a written policy and procedures manual mandating the submission of missing and unidentified persons information to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). The manual must ensure case information is entered into NamUs after it has been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and specify timelines for entry based on case type. These requirements are in addition to existing duties regarding missing persons. The bill also makes minor conforming and stylistic changes.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (H)
PREVIOUS ACTION: Passed the Senate awaiting a committee assignment in the House.
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Matthew Deneen
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-02-03
[KY] SB207 Duty-Related Disability Benefits and Retirement Amendments
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: Amends Kentucky statutes relating to duty-related disability benefits for nonhazardous public employees, expanding benefit eligibility and clarifying health insurance provisions. Provides a retroactive application window for certain former employees.
SUMMARY: The bill expands eligibility for duty-related disability and death benefits for nonhazardous employees under state-administered retirement systems. New provisions allow benefits for employees disabled and unable to continue in a position that could be certified as hazardous, even if not totally and permanently disabled. Health insurance benefits and minimum service waivers are extended to these cases. The bill also provides a retroactive application period for certain former nonhazardous employees to apply for duty-related disability benefits. Several technical corrections and clarifications to definitions and references are included.
CURRENT ACTION: to Education (S)
PREVIOUS ACTION: to Education (S)
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Scott Madon
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-02-18
[KY] SB310 Lump-Sum Line of Duty Death Payments Expansion and Retroactivity
DECLARATION: Support
DESCRIPTION: This bill expands eligibility for lump-sum line of duty death payments to include public safety officers in training and retired public safety officers killed in retaliation for prior service, establishes related definitions, and makes select provisions retroactive.
SUMMARY: The bill adds definitions for ‘public safety officer,’ ‘public safety officer in training,’ ‘retired public safety officer,’ and ‘post-service act in the line of duty.’ It expands eligibility for the $80,000 lump-sum death benefit to spouses of public safety officers in training and spouses of retired public safety officers whose deaths result from post-service acts in retaliation for their service. The bill makes these changes retroactive: benefits for deaths of retired public safety officers due to post-service acts apply to deaths on or after August 1, 2012, and benefits for public safety officers in training apply to deaths on or after November 1, 2024.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PREVIOUS ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Danny Carroll
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-03-02
LEGISLATION KACP REVIEWING/FOLLOWING/
[KY] HB47 Enforcement of Federal Immigration Law and Training Requirements for Law Enforcement
DECLARATION: Watch
DESCRIPTION: This bill mandates participation of Kentucky law enforcement in the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 287(g) Task Force Model Program and adjusts required training protocols for officers in such programs.
SUMMARY: The legislation requires all Kentucky State Police department posts to enter into agreements with ICE to participate in the 287(g) Task Force Model Program, granting certain state and local officers federal immigration enforcement authority following specific training. Officers who complete the mandatory ICE-provided training may count it towards their annual state-required in-service training. The bill also reorganizes and updates statutory references, adds new subsections, and clarifies the impact of extenuating circumstances and military service on training requirements.
CURRENT ACTION: to Judiciary (H)
PREVIOUS ACTION: to Judiciary (H)
PRIMARY SPONSOR: T.J. Roberts
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-13
[KY] HB58 Regulation of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) and Privacy Protection
DECLARATION: Watch
DESCRIPTION: Creates comprehensive limitations and rules for the use, retention, and sharing of automated license plate reader (ALPR) data in Kentucky, and establishes penalties for violations.
SUMMARY: This bill creates a new section in KRS Chapter 189 establishing definitions, restrictions, and procedures regarding the use and deployment of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) by public agencies, law enforcement, and the Transportation Cabinet. It limits ALPR use to specified purposes, restricts data retention to 90 days except under listed circumstances, and sets requirements for sharing, notification, and security of ALPR data. Law enforcement agencies must adopt public ALPR policies and conduct regular audits. The Transportation Cabinet is directed to create a permit process for highway ALPR installations. A new penalty is established for violations of these ALPR provisions, with fines ranging from $20 to $2,000 or up to one year in jail.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PREVIOUS ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PRIMARY SPONSOR: John Hodgson
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-07
[KY] HB213 Reemployment and Benefits of Retired Police Officers
DECLARATION: Undecided
DESCRIPTION: Makes changes to eligibility requirements and health insurance options for reemployed retired police officers in counties, cities, and postsecondary institutions; amends service credit requirements and insurance rules for retirees.
SUMMARY: This bill reduces the minimum service credit required for retired police officers to be eligible for reemployment in counties, cities, and postsecondary institutions from twenty (20) years to fifteen (15) years. It allows local legislative bodies and postsecondary institution governing boards, effective August 1, 2026, to provide or authorize health insurance coverage for reemployed retired police officers, subject to local terms. The bill also updates statutory references and clarifies that agencies may or may not offer hospital and medical benefits as a condition of reemployment under certain statutes. Technical corrections to statutory references and wording are included.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PREVIOUS ACTION: Passed the House awaiting a committee assignment in the Senate.
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Emily Callaway
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-07
[KY] HB248 Establishment and Regulation of Hospital Police Departments
DECLARATION: Watch
DESCRIPTION: This bill authorizes certain hospitals in Kentucky to establish their own police departments, appoint police officers, and set related regulations, powers, and procedures for operation, oversight, and accountability.
SUMMARY: The bill creates comprehensive provisions for hospitals (not owned or operated by public entities) to establish police departments with full peace officer powers. It details the appointment, powers, training, and jurisdiction of hospital police officers, establishes policies for emergency vehicles, radio communications, and traffic control on hospital property, and sets forth investigative and procedural protections for complaints against hospital police officers. It also prohibits impersonation of hospital police and outlines due process rights for officers subject to disciplinary procedures.
CURRENT ACTION: reassigned to Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (H)
PREVIOUS ACTION: reassigned to Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (H)
PRIMARY SPONSOR: D. Wade Williams
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-08
[KY] HB297 Expansion of Police Officer Definition to Include Kentucky State Fair Board Special Police Officers
DECLARATION: Watch
DESCRIPTION: This bill amends the definition of “police officer” in KRS 15.420 to include Kentucky State Fair Board special police officers, subject to KRS 15.460(1)(f).
SUMMARY: The bill adds Kentucky State Fair Board special police officers to the list of state officers who are considered “police officers” under KRS 15.420, making them potentially eligible for certain benefits and recognitions associated with this designation, subject to existing stipulations in KRS 15.460(1)(f).
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PREVIOUS ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Chris Lewis
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-09
[KY] HB312 Creation of Provisional Concealed Carry Licenses for 18-20 Year Olds
DECLARATION: Watch
DESCRIPTION: Creates a provisional license system for concealed carry of firearms and deadly weapons for individuals aged 18 to 20, outlining eligibility, application, and transition procedures to the standard license at age 21.
SUMMARY: This bill establishes a new provisional license for persons aged 18-20 to carry concealed firearms or deadly weapons. The Department of Kentucky State Police will issue these licenses, which are valid statewide until the holder turns 21. The bill lays out application, renewal, and transition procedures to a standard concealed carry license at age 21, ensures provisional licenses are distinguishable from standard ones, and authorizes administrative regulations for implementation.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PREVIOUS ACTION: Passed the House awaiting a committee assignment in the Senate.
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Savannah Maddox
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-12
[KY] HB414 Reforms to DNA Sample Collection and Booking Procedures in Kentucky Jails
DECLARATION: Watch
DESCRIPTION: This bill amends Kentucky statutes related to DNA sample collection, booking procedures in local jails, and the management, use, and expungement of DNA records.
SUMMARY: The bill revises existing law to require DNA sample collection via buccal swab (instead of blood), expands authorized personnel to include agents of local government, and introduces the definition and use of rapid DNA instruments. It mandates that DNA samples be collected at booking for adults arrested, indicted, or charged with a felony. The Department of Kentucky State Police must establish standards for rapid DNA instruments and promulgate related regulations. The bill also clarifies circumstances under which a second DNA sample may be collected and when collection may be waived. It restricts DNA sample use to criminal justice purposes, prohibits use for insurance/employment or medical/genetic identification, and creates an automatic and request-based expungement process for DNA records in specified circumstances. Civil liability protections for authorized personnel are clarified. Administrative regulations must be updated to reflect these changes.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PREVIOUS ACTION: Passed the House awaiting a committee assignment in the Senate.
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Patrick Flannery
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-15
[KY] HB541 Revisions to Kentucky Peace Officer Certification and Hiring Requirements
DECLARATION: Watch
DESCRIPTION: This legislation revises and expands definitions, requirements, and procedures related to the certification, employment, and training of peace officers and court security officers in Kentucky. It clarifies agency responsibilities, minimum candidate qualifications, information sharing requirements, and penalties for violations.
SUMMARY: The bill amends various sections of Kentucky law governing peace officers and court security officers. Key changes include updated definitions, new and clarified minimum qualifications for officer candidates, more detailed agency obligations for background checks and information sharing during the hiring process, strengthened training and certification requirements, and expanded liability protections for agencies providing candidate information. The bill also establishes explicit penalties for violations of these provisions.
CURRENT ACTION: to Judiciary (H)
PREVIOUS ACTION: to Judiciary (H)
PRIMARY SPONSOR: John Blanton
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-02-03
[KY] HB612 Comprehensive Regulation and Taxation of Alcoholic Beverages, Hemp, and Kratom
DECLARATION: Watch
DESCRIPTION: This bill creates significant new regulatory frameworks and taxes for alcoholic beverages and newly regulated substances such as hemp-derived cannabinoids and kratom. It repeals and replaces certain existing taxes, creates new regulatory license fees at state and local levels, revises licensing structures, and establishes updated enforcement, reporting, and penalty provisions. The bill also adjusts fee structures, modifies related statutory definitions, and appropriates funds for public health and regulatory auditing.
SUMMARY: The bill establishes state retail and wholesale regulatory license fees on alcoholic beverage retailers and wholesalers, effective July 1, 2027, replacing certain existing wholesale taxes. It levies new state retail regulatory license fees on kratom and hemp-derived cannabinoid products, sets out detailed definitions, filing, and payment requirements, and imposes personal liability on business officers for unpaid fees. Local governments are granted authority to impose regulatory license fees on alcoholic beverage and cannabis-infused beverage sales, subject to audit and compliance rules. The bill amends statutory definitions of alcoholic beverages and related terms, updates and adds license types and associated fees, modifies procedures for license applications and transfers, and revises distribution and reporting requirements. It appropriates a portion of new fees to public education funds and creates an audit fund for oversight of local regulatory license fees. Several existing excise and wholesale taxes are repealed or sunset, and new civil and criminal penalties are established for noncompliance.
CURRENT ACTION: to Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H)
PREVIOUS ACTION: to Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H)
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Matthew Koch
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-02-10
[KY] HB684 Comprehensive Reform of Constable Certification, Training, and Powers
DECLARATION: Oppose
DESCRIPTION: This Act creates new laws and amends multiple statutes to establish certification, training, and powers for Kentucky constables and deputy constables, including peace officer status, certification categories, and related procedures. It also adjusts membership of the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council, revises vehicle equipment rules for constables, and declares an emergency for immediate effect.
SUMMARY: The Act establishes a certification and training regime for constables and deputy constables, requiring an 80-hour basic training course and annual 40-hour in-service training for peace officer status. Certified constables are granted full peace officer powers statewide. The Act creates new certification categories (active, inactive, training deficiency, revoked) and outlines procedures for extension, loss, and restoration of certification. It allows revocation of certification after a hearing for specified reasons. The Kentucky Constable Association, Inc. gains formal roles in training and Council membership. Statutory amendments ensure constable offices, upon certification, are included in law enforcement definitions, powers, and emergency vehicle provisions. The Act also standardizes constable bonds to $10,000 and makes technical and procedural updates. The Act is effective immediately upon passage, as an emergency.
CURRENT ACTION: to Judiciary (H)
PREVIOUS ACTION: to Judiciary (H)
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Ryan Dotson
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-02-19
[KY] HB773 Creation of Domestic Violence Offender Registry and Related Procedures
DECLARATION: Watch
DESCRIPTION: Establishes a public registry for persistent domestic violence offenders, sets procedures for registration, data submission, and removal, and imposes related fees.
SUMMARY: Creates a new section in KRS Chapter 17 establishing a domestic violence offender registry for persistent offenders. Defines qualifying offenses and relationships, mandates public access to certain offender information, details data submission by court clerks, sets removal timelines based on prior convictions, and imposes a $150 registration fee. Applies to persistent offenders convicted on or after January 1, 2027.
CURRENT ACTION: to Judiciary (H)
PREVIOUS ACTION: to Judiciary (H)
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Kimberly Holloway
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-02-26
[KY] HB899 Expansion of Interpersonal Protective Orders to School Violence
DECLARATION: Watch
DESCRIPTION: This bill amends multiple sections of KRS Chapter 456 to add ‘school violence’ as a basis for seeking interpersonal protective orders, alongside dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault. It defines ‘school violence’ and updates procedures and protections throughout the chapter to include victims of school violence.
SUMMARY: The bill adds ‘school violence’ to the list of behaviors that qualify for interpersonal protective orders under KRS Chapter 456. It defines ‘school violence’ as serious physical injury or the infliction of fear of imminent serious physical injury occurring on school property between students. The bill updates provisions regarding who may file for protective orders, procedures for hearings and temporary orders, criteria for court findings, and law enforcement duties to include school violence. Several references are updated to include school violence alongside existing grounds. The bill also requires appointment of a guardian ad litem for minors involved in such cases and ensures no fees or costs are assessed to petitioners for school violence-related protective orders.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (H)
PREVIOUS ACTION: to Committee on Committees (H)
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Chad Aull
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-03-04
[KY] SB86 Mandate for State and Local Law Enforcement to Collaborate with Federal Immigration Enforcement Programs
DECLARATION: Watch
DESCRIPTION: This bill requires all local law enforcement agencies and the Kentucky State Police to enter into written agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to participate in specified federal immigration enforcement programs: Jail Enforcement Model, Task Force Model, and Warrant Service Officer Model, as established under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
SUMMARY: The legislation defines three specific ICE collaboration models (Jail Enforcement, Task Force, and Warrant Service Officer), and mandates that all local law enforcement and the Kentucky State Police formally enter into agreements with ICE to participate in these programs. This would require state and local agencies to take an active role in identifying, detaining, or assisting in the removal of individuals subject to federal immigration enforcement, in line with ICE protocols.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PREVIOUS ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Phillip Wheeler
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-01-13
[KY] SB259 Creation of a Public Domestic Violence Offender Registry
DECLARATION: Watch
DESCRIPTION: Establishes a public registry for persistent domestic violence offenders, outlines requirements for court clerks and the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, and sets registration fees and removal timelines.
SUMMARY: Creates a new section in KRS Chapter 17 establishing a public domestic violence offender registry for individuals with at least two domestic violence offense convictions or diversions. Mandates the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet to maintain the registry and provide specified offender information on a public website. Details responsibilities for court clerks, including submission of conviction records and identification data. Sets timeframes for removal from the registry based on the number of prior convictions and establishes a $150 registration fee, with proceeds divided between court administration and the Kentucky State Police. Applies to persistent offenders convicted on or after January 1, 2027.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PREVIOUS ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Danny Carroll
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-02-26
[KY] SB328 Amendments to Police Oath Requirements and Language Updates
DECLARATION: Watch
DESCRIPTION: This bill amends KRS 95.200 regarding the oath requirement for members of the police force, making gender-neutral language updates and clarifying the inclusion of special police officers.
SUMMARY: The bill updates KRS 95.200 by explicitly including ‘special police officers’ in the requirement to take an oath before discharging duties, and replaces gendered language (‘his’) with gender-neutral language (‘his or her’). The bill also reorganizes the text into subsections and makes technical corrections.
CURRENT ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PREVIOUS ACTION: to Committee on Committees (S)
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Danny Carroll
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-03-02
[KY] SB333 Transfer of Body Armor Grant Program to Attorney General’s Office
DECLARATION: Watch
DESCRIPTION: This bill amends provisions regarding the administration and allocation of proceeds from firearms sales, primarily transferring responsibilities for the body armor grant program from the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security to the Office of the Attorney General. It also makes related technical and conforming changes in relevant statutes.
SUMMARY: The bill replaces all references to the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security with the Office of the Attorney General regarding the administration of proceeds from firearms auctions and the awarding of grants for police body armor, firearms, ammunition, electronic control devices, and body-worn cameras. It removes the Department for Local Government’s reference to the body armor program in its list of state grant programs. It also makes technical corrections, including updating the federal agency name to ‘Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.’
CURRENT ACTION: 2nd reading, to Rules
PREVIOUS ACTION: 2nd reading, to Rules
PRIMARY SPONSOR: Brandon Storm
INTRODUCTION DATE: 2026-03-02
LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
Jan. 6: Opening day of 2026 KY General Assembly legislative session.
Jan. 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; legislature not in session
Feb. 16: Presidents Day holiday; legislature not in session
March 2: Last day for introduction of new Senate bills
March 4: Last day for introduction of new House bills
April 2 – April 13: Veto recess
April 14-15: Final legislative days
As always, questions, suggestions, comments or concerns can be directed to Executive Director Shawn Butler, who can be reached at 859-743-2920 or sbutler@kacp.org