KentuckySB 1042026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT relating to first responders.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New penalties for impeding first responders

After a verbal warning, you cannot knowingly come within 25 feet of a working first responder to interfere, threaten, or harass. A first offense is a Class B misdemeanor; a second or third is a Class A misdemeanor; later offenses are a Class D felony. First responder also means probation or parole officers, university police, and airport police. Harass means a pattern meant to cause serious emotional distress with no legitimate purpose.

Wellness program for firefighters and rescuers

The law creates the Alan "Chip" Terry wellness program for firefighters and rescue squad members. It offers seminar-based peer support and counseling in Kentucky at least twice each year, with limited out-of-state slots approved by the executive director and priority for Kentuckians. The commission writes rules on staff, curriculum, family involvement, out-of-state standards, and reciprocity, and must partner with Emergency Management so rescue squads can attend. Program records and communications are confidential, except to report a real, specific threat under KRS 202A.400. A restricted state fund pays only to run the program, and unused money carries forward with interest.

Up to 48-hour leave after critical incidents

If you are a firefighter or rescue squad member directly involved in a critical incident, you can take up to 48 hours of leave right after it. Leave starts after your shift ends or after needed administrative steps, once you tell a supervisor. Pay status follows written rules: employees by contract or department policy; volunteers by department policy; rescue squad members by Emergency Management policy. If your contract or policy gives more than 48 hours, that still applies.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Matt Nunn
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Adam Moore
Democrat • House
Aaron Reed
Republican • Senate
Tom Smith
Republican • House
Bill Wesley
Republican • House
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
Jason Nemes
Republican • House
Nick Wilson
Republican • House
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