KentuckyHB 4192026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT relating to the Kentucky Fire Commission.

Sponsored By: Suzanne Miles (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Boards And CommissionsDiseasesFire PreventionFirefighters And Fire DepartmentsPublic Officers And Employees

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Hepatitis shots and cancer screening help for firefighters

The law sets up a continuing program to vaccinate every paid and volunteer firefighter in Kentucky against hepatitis A and B. Funding comes from the Firefighters Foundation Program fund, up to $500,000 each fiscal year. When money remains after vaccinations, the program can reimburse firefighters for out-of-pocket cancer screening costs. The Kentucky Fire Commission runs the program with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

Tighter financial reporting and audits for districts

The law defines “fire district” and “nonprofit fire department” for these rules. Fire districts and nonprofit fire departments must send yearly administrative and financial data to the commission for fiscal years starting July 1, 2016. Every district and nonprofit department faces a financial review at least once a year. The commission can require a four‑year independent audit if annual receipts or spending are $100,000 to under $500,000. If they are $500,000 or more for two straight years, annual independent audits are required until the amount drops. Districts at $100,000 or more for two straight years are treated as special‑purpose governmental entities and must follow KRS 65A. The state Auditor can examine review and audit work papers. If a district does not comply, the commission can withhold firefighter incentive pay, volunteer aid, funds for workers’ compensation insurance, low‑interest loans, and thermal‑vision grant funds.

$1 million yearly for firefighter training

The law sets aside $1 million each fiscal year for training activities. When money is available, the commission may run programs like mobile fitness testing, defensive driving training, EMS training updates, equipment checks, and mobile training units. It may also buy certain technical devices and reimburse firefighters’ out‑of‑pocket cancer screening costs when funded.

5% cap on KCTCS admin costs

The Kentucky Fire Commission can repay KCTCS for salaries and other costs to run fund programs, but total reimbursements from any fund cannot exceed 5% of that fund’s yearly appropriation. This cap keeps more money available for local fire programs.

Help replacing gear lost in hazmat calls

The commission holds back enough money from general distributions to reimburse volunteer departments for gear lost or destroyed in hazardous‑materials incidents. A qualifying department can receive up to $10,000, or the actual loss if lower. The department must apply, show the loss came from a hazmat incident, that no responsible party is paying, and that the gear is needed now to protect firefighters. The department must also assign any recovery rights to the state up to the payout amount.

Low‑interest loans for fire equipment and buildings

The commission offers low‑interest loans to departments for major equipment or building projects. The interest rate is capped at 3% a year, or the level needed to keep the loan fund running. A department must meet training standards and lack other good‑rate financing. Loan payments go back into the fund, and grants can be withheld until a borrower is current.

New rules for Fire Commission membership

The Kentucky Fire Commission has 18 members, appointed by the Governor. No more than three appointees may live in the same congressional district, and the board includes men, women, and racial minorities. Most appointed members serve four-year terms and can serve two in a row. A majority is a quorum, and the board meets at least four times a year. Firefighter members must have at least five years of service, with 150 hours of training for volunteers or 400 hours for professionals. Members get no pay but are reimbursed for necessary expenses. If a member misses three regular meetings without approval, they are treated as resigned and replaced within 90 days; they cannot be reappointed for 10 years. Named groups send nominee lists by November 15 when vacancies occur.

Annual $11,000 aid for volunteer departments

The Kentucky Fire Commission pays $11,000 each year to every qualifying volunteer fire department. To qualify, a department must have at least 12 firefighters, a chief, and at least one working or on‑order fire apparatus. At least half of its firefighters must finish half of 150 training hours within the first six months and have a plan to finish by the second year. Departments must take part in the Kentucky fire incident reporting system; failing to participate costs $500 of the allotment each year.

Grants for thermal cameras and other devices

All fire departments formed under KRS Chapters 65, 75, 95, or 273 can apply. Grants pay 50% of the agreed device price, up to $5,000. The commission sets rules, runs applications, and buys devices under state purchasing laws. Recipients must file use, maintenance, and loss reports. A funded department must wait two years before applying again, and failure to follow reporting rules triggers a five‑year ban. Covered “technical devices” include thermal vision devices, automated external defibrillators, and gas monitors.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Suzanne Miles
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Bill Wesley
Republican • House
Daniel Grossberg
Democrat • House
DJ Johnson
Republican • House
Mark Hart
Republican • House
Michael Meredith
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 225 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 3/31/2026

passed

Yes: 90 • No: 0

House vote • 2/5/2026