HB-015
GovernorProhibiting the Statewide Emergency Communications Act
Type: Bill
Fiscal Impact: None
Introduced: Apr 19, 2026
Summary
An Act prohibiting the applicable statutory provisions of the Kentucky Revised Statutes with respect to statewide emergency communications; prescribing procedures, standards, and responsibilities; authorising the promulgation of administrative regulations; and providing for related matters.
Full Text
WHEREAS the applicable provisions of the Kentucky Revised Statutes relating to statewide emergency communications have not been substantively revised within the preceding statutory review cycle;
WHEREAS recent administrative experience has demonstrated material deficiencies in the statutory scheme pertaining to statewide emergency communications;
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY:
SECTION 1. Legislative Findings and Declarations of Policy.
The General Assembly hereby finds that the statewide emergency communications in the Commonwealth requires responsive and efficient statutory governance. It is the declared policy of this Commonwealth to ensure that the regulatory framework governing said statewide emergency communications is modern, equitable, and aligned with current best practices.
SECTION 2. Civil Remedies.
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, any funds appropriated pursuant to this Act shall remain available for expenditure until the conclusion of the fiscal biennium in which they were appropriated, subject to the standard allotment and encumbrance procedures of the Finance and Administration Cabinet.
The Agency is hereby authorised and directed to promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to implement the provisions of this Act, including but not limited to regulations establishing application procedures, eligibility criteria, and reporting requirements.
SECTION 3. Data Confidentiality.
To the extent practicable and consistent with applicable civil rights laws, the Agency shall endeavour to ensure that the benefits and services authorised under this Act are administered in an equitable and nondiscriminatory manner across all regions and demographic groups within the Commonwealth.
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, any funds appropriated pursuant to this Act shall remain available for expenditure until the conclusion of the fiscal biennium in which they were appropriated, subject to the standard allotment and encumbrance procedures of the Finance and Administration Cabinet.
SECTION 4. Fiscal Impact Statement.
Any person who knowingly violates the provisions of this Act, or any administrative regulation promulgated thereunder, shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) per violation per day. The Agency shall have authority to assess such penalties following a duly noticed administrative hearing conducted in conformance with KRS Chapter 13B.
The Agency is hereby authorised and directed to promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to implement the provisions of this Act, including but not limited to regulations establishing application procedures, eligibility criteria, and reporting requirements.
SECTION 5. Procedural Safeguards.
To the extent practicable and consistent with applicable civil rights laws, the Agency shall endeavour to ensure that the benefits and services authorised under this Act are administered in an equitable and nondiscriminatory manner across all regions and demographic groups within the Commonwealth.
SECTION 6. Definitions.
"Applicant" means any natural person, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other legal entity that submits a completed application pursuant to this Act.
"Commissioner" means the duly appointed and confirmed Commissioner of the relevant Department as established pursuant to KRS Chapter 12.
"Qualified Entity" means any person or organisation that meets the eligibility criteria established pursuant to Section 3 of this Act.
"Regulated Activity" means any commercial, industrial, agricultural, or professional activity subject to oversight under the provisions of this Act.
"Agency" means any executive branch department, office, board, bureau, commission, or other instrumentality of the Commonwealth.
SECTION 7. Effective Date.
This Act shall take effect ninety (90) days following its enactment into law.
SECTION 8. Severability.
In the event any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or set of circumstances, is held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are declared to be severable.
Legislative Proceedings
50 entriesPursuant to the rules of this chamber, I introduce for the consideration of my distinguished colleagues HB-015.
I second the motion to introduce HB-015 and concur that it warrants the serious attention of this chamber.
The Chair announces that HB-015 has been referred from initial introduction to open debate in accordance with the standing rules of this chamber.
I rise in strong support of HB-015. Having reviewed the bill's provisions in detail, I am persuaded that its enactment represents sound fiscal and legislative policy, and I urge my colleagues to vote affirmatively.
This is not a partisan matter. HB-015 represents a commonsense solution that enjoys broad bipartisan support and will advance the public interest.
The distinguished member who introduced this legislation is to be commended. HB-015 addresses long-standing deficiencies in our statutory framework and will materially benefit the people of this Commonwealth.
After careful consideration of expert testimony and review of comparable legislation in sister states, the committee reports HB-015 favourably and without amendment.
Before we proceed to the vote, I urge all members to reflect carefully on the implications of HB-015 for our constituents. The record speaks for itself.
I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.
I cast my vote in the affirmative, consistent with the wishes of my constituents and my own studied review of this measure.
I cast my vote in the affirmative, consistent with the wishes of my constituents and my own studied review of this measure.
Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.
Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.
I vote yea and record my support for the advancement of sound public policy.
Yea. I commend the sponsoring member for bringing this matter before the chamber.
Yea. I commend the sponsoring member for bringing this matter before the chamber.
Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.
I cast my vote in the affirmative, consistent with the wishes of my constituents and my own studied review of this measure.
I cast my vote in the affirmative, consistent with the wishes of my constituents and my own studied review of this measure.
Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.
I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.
Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.
Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.
I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.
I vote yea and record my support for the advancement of sound public policy.
Yea. I commend the sponsoring member for bringing this matter before the chamber.
Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.
Yea. I commend the sponsoring member for bringing this matter before the chamber.
I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.
Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.
I vote nay and respectfully express my concern that further deliberation is warranted.
Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.
I vote yea and record my support for the advancement of sound public policy.
I cast my vote in the affirmative, consistent with the wishes of my constituents and my own studied review of this measure.
I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.
I vote yea and record my support for the advancement of sound public policy.
Yea. I commend the sponsoring member for bringing this matter before the chamber.
Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.
Yea. I commend the sponsoring member for bringing this matter before the chamber.
Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.
Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.
I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.
Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.
I vote nay and respectfully express my concern that further deliberation is warranted.
Yea. I commend the sponsoring member for bringing this matter before the chamber.
Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.
I cast my vote in the affirmative, consistent with the wishes of my constituents and my own studied review of this measure.
I vote nay and respectfully express my concern that further deliberation is warranted.
The Clerk is directed to transmit HB-015, having passed this chamber, to the other chamber for its concurrence.
HB-015, having passed both chambers of the General Assembly, is transmitted to the Governor for signature or other action.
Bill Progress
- Draft
- Debate
- Committee
- Floor Vote
- Other Chamber
- Governor
- Enacted