Kentucky · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 541: AN ACT relating to peace officers.
Passed one chamber Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 541 is a bill introduced in the Kentucky House on February 3, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT relating to peace officers. Primary sponsor: John Blanton (Republican), Beverly Chester-Burton (Democratic), Erika Hancock (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (March 19, 2026): to Committee on Committees (S).
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Amend KRS 15.310 to define "agency" and "court order"; amend KRS 15.382 to provide that minimum standards for peace officer certification shall be met prior to being hired; exclude any candidate that is prohibited by a court order from possessing a firearm; provide that certain screening tests conducted by local law enforcement agencies be approved by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council; amend KRS 15.3975 to provide that any extension for a court security officer to complete required training may be granted by the executive director of the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council; amend KRS 15.404 to provide that any extension for a peace officer to complete required training may be granted by the executive director of the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council; amend KRS 15.405 to require an agency to request previous employment records for a candidate before making a conditional offer of employment; amend KRS 15.990 to provide that any agency who does not comply with KRS 15.405 shall be subject to a fine of between $25 and $1,000.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2 · Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Blanton | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 92 |
| Beverly Chester-Burton | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 44 |
| Erika Hancock | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 57 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- to Committee on Committees (S)
- received in Senate
- 3rd reading, passed 95-0 with Committee Substitute (1)
- posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Monday, March 16 2026
- 2nd reading, to Rules
- reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)
- to Judiciary (H)
- to Committee on Committees (H)
- introduced in House