KentuckyHB 1882026 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT relating to public safety.

Sponsored By: Kevin Jackson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Corrections ImpactLocal MandateCorrections And Correctional Facilities, StateCountiesCrime VictimsCrimes And PunishmentsHealth And Medical ServicesJails And JailersLocal GovernmentMental HealthOccupational Safety And Health

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Stronger assault protections for healthcare workers

If you are a health care worker employed by or under contract with a clinic, doctor’s office, dental office, long-term care facility, hospital, or a hospital-owned or affiliate outpatient facility, an attack on you in or on a jail, prison, or detention facility is third-degree assault. This applies when someone recklessly uses a deadly weapon or intentionally causes or tries to cause physical injury.

Peer support for correctional staff

If you serve as a jailer, deputy jailer, or correctional officer at a local detention center, local correctional facility, or regional jail, you can take part in your agency’s peer support counseling program. These sessions carry the program’s confidentiality and privilege protections.

Peer support privacy and coverage changes

Peer support counseling stays confidential, but the law sets three exceptions. Agencies can use or share anonymous data for research, statistics, or education. An employee may report what they saw outside a session. A law officer may share information learned outside peer support. The law also updates who counts as a public agency to match the entities listed in state law, which may change which workplaces are covered.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Kevin Jackson
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Daniel Elliott
Republican • House
David Hale
Republican • House
John Hodgson
Republican • House
Kimberly Poore Moser
Republican • House
Michael Meredith
Republican • House
Robert Duvall
Republican • House
Scott Lewis
Republican • House
Shawn McPherson
Republican • House
Steve Riley
Republican • House
Wade Williams
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 135 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/25/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 2/5/2026