KentuckySB 1042026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT relating to first responders.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

48-hour leave after critical incidents

Any firefighter or rescue squad member directly involved in a critical incident can take up to 48 hours of leave. Leave can start after the shift with the incident, or after required paperwork, once you tell your supervisor. Pay for this leave follows your employment contract, union deal, or written department policy. For volunteer firefighters, pay follows the department’s written policy. For rescue squad members, pay follows the Division of Emergency Management’s written policy.

Rules, privacy and funding for wellness

The commission must write rules to run the wellness program. Rules must set implementer qualifications and duties, the curriculum, and treatment methods. They must say if relatives or friends may join seminars and set rules for out-of-state and reciprocity. Your program communications and records are confidential and cannot be used in court; anonymous data may be used for research. Actual threats can be disclosed to prevent harm under KRS 202A.400. The law creates a state fund for program administration, fed by the Firefighters Foundation Program Fund, grants, gifts, state money, and federal money. Unused money and interest stay in the fund.

Wellness program now includes rescue squads

The Alan “Chip” Terry wellness program now serves Kentucky professional and volunteer firefighters and rescue squad members. The commission provides peer-support and counseling seminars at least twice each year. Out-of-state participants may be allowed with director approval, but Kentucky members cannot be denied because others are admitted. The Fire Commission and the Division of Emergency Management must sign an agreement to ensure rescue squad members can use the program.

New crime for impeding first responders

It is a crime to approach a first responder within 25 feet after a verbal warning while they are doing their job, if you intend to impede, threaten harm, or harass. Harass means conduct that causes or is meant to cause serious emotional distress and has no valid purpose. Penalties are a Class B misdemeanor for the first offense, a Class A misdemeanor for a second or third offense, and a Class D felony after that. First responder includes roles like probation or parole officers, university police, and airport police.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Matt Nunn
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Aaron Reed
Republican • Senate
Brandon Smith
Republican • Senate
Craig Richardson
Republican • Senate
Danny Carroll
Republican • Senate
Donald Douglas
Republican • Senate
Gary Boswell
Republican • Senate
Greg Elkins
Republican • Senate
Lindsey Tichenor
Republican • Senate
Matthew Deneen
Republican • Senate
Michael J. Nemes
Republican • Senate
Mike Wilson
Republican • Senate
Max Wise
Republican • Senate
Robby Mills
Republican • Senate
Scott Madon
Republican • Senate
Steve Rawlings
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 143 • No: 28

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

passed

Yes: 32 • No: 6

House vote • 3/25/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 79 • No: 16

Senate vote • 2/19/2026