SB-019
FailedAuthorising the Statewide Emergency Communications Act
Type: Bill
Fiscal Impact: Moderate
Introduced: May 7, 2026
Summary
An Act authorising 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 public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of this Commonwealth requires legislative action with respect 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. Procedural Safeguards.
The Agency shall, in consultation with the relevant Interim Joint Committee, undertake a comprehensive review of the programme established by this Act no later than four (4) years following its effective date and shall report findings and any recommended statutory modifications to the General Assembly.
SECTION 3. Penalties for Noncompliance.
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.
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. Definitions.
"Permit" means any licence, certificate, registration, approval, or other authorisation issued pursuant to this Act or the administrative regulations promulgated thereunder.
"Secretary" means the Secretary of the relevant Cabinet as designated in the Executive Branch reorganisation order.
"Fiscal Year" means the twelve-month period commencing on July 1 of each calendar year and terminating on June 30 of the succeeding calendar year.
"Programme" means the scheme of activities, services, and financial assistance established by this Act and administered by the Agency.
"Commissioner" means the duly appointed and confirmed Commissioner of the relevant Department as established pursuant to KRS Chapter 12.
SECTION 5. Effective Date.
This Act shall take effect ninety (90) days following its enactment into law.
SECTION 6. 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
20 entriesI am proud to present to this body SB-019, which I commend to the favourable attention of my colleagues.
I second the motion to introduce SB-019 and concur that it warrants the serious attention of this chamber.
The Chair announces that SB-019 has been referred from initial introduction to open debate in accordance with the standing rules of this chamber.
Mr. President / Mr. Speaker, the merits of SB-019 speak for themselves. This chamber would be well-served by swift and favourable action on this legislation.
Mr. President / Mr. Speaker, the merits of SB-019 speak for themselves. This chamber would be well-served by swift and favourable action on this legislation.
I rise in strong support of SB-019. 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.
The standing committee has reviewed SB-019 and, following deliberation, reports it favourably to the full chamber with the following amendments: technical corrections to Section 2 and clarification of the definition provision in Section 1.
I yield back the remainder of my time and ask for a favourable vote on SB-019.
I vote nay and respectfully express my concern that further deliberation is warranted.
Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.
I vote nay and respectfully express my concern that further deliberation is warranted.
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.
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.
Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.
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.
It is the determination of the Chair that SB-019 has failed of passage. The Clerk shall note the final vote in the journal.
Bill Progress
- Draft
- Debate
- Committee
- Floor Vote
- Other Chamber
- Governor
- Enacted