Two KLC initiatives now head to the governor, another moves to concurrence, and two more await final passage in the Senate after a busy Wednesday at the Capitol. The measures address the peace officer powers of newly elected constables, emergency medical services (EMS) issues, criminal justice training, solid waste management franchises, and interlocal agreement filings.

The House of Representatives approved Senate Bill 152 by a vote of 92-0. Senator Stephen West (R-Paris) sponsored the measure that Representative Ken Upchurch (R-Monticello) carried on the House floor. The bill saves cities time and money when transferring a solid waste management franchise to a private entity. It eliminates an archaic bureaucratic process and ensures transparency in bidding.

The House passed Senate Bill 112 by a 93-0 vote. Senator Wil Schroder (R-Wilder) sponsored the bill that Representative Chris Freeland (R-Benton) carried on the House floor. The measure removes redundancies for filing changes to interlocal agreements.

Both KLC initiatives now head to Governor Andy Beshear for consideration.

Senators passed House Bill 565 by a vote of 36-1. Representative Kimberly Moser (R-Taylor Mill) sponsored and Senator Christian McDaniel (R-Ryland Heights) carried the measure that creates online training options for some classes at the Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT).

The bill now goes back to the House for concurrence with changes made in the Senate.

Two Senate committees passed two additional KLC initiatives on Wednesday.

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee unanimously passed House Bill 777. Representative Ken Fleming (R-Louisville) sponsored the bill that addresses several issues regarding emergency medical services (EMS) including the certificate of need (CON) process.

The Senate State and Local Government Committee approved House Bill 239. The measure now heads for a full Senate vote. The KLC initiative addresses the peace officer powers of newly elected constables. KLC Director of Public Affairs Bryanna L. Carroll testified alongside bill sponsor Representative Adam Koenig (R-Erlanger) and Somerset Police Chief William Hunt.

“It is important for the safety of our communities and trained law enforcement officers that anyone with a badge and gun who can take you into custody, initiate a pursuit, or even use deadly force is someone who is instructed on how and when to use these tactics,” Koenig told the committee.

The measure provides a path for elected constables to obtain valuable state training and does not stop constables from serving their community. The bill only prevents newly elected constables who do not get certified under Peace Officer Professional Standards (POPS) from using law enforcement powers such as making arrests and conducting traffic stops.

“More than half of the states have recognized the need to deal with the antiquated constable role and the need to ensure people exercising law enforcement powers are trained officers,” Carroll said.

The Senate could vote on the measure as soon as Thursday.