Bill > HB17

This bill amends Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 15.382 to modify peace officer certification requirements, specifically providing a special provision for peace officers who were previously employed in the Commonwealth before December 1, 1998. The primary change allows these veteran officers to be exempt from passing a physical agility test unless specifically required by their employing agency. The bill also makes several minor technical corrections, such as updating language to include gender-neutral terms like "or she" throughout the statute. The bill includes an emergency clause, indicating its immediate importance in helping police departments recruit and retain qualified officers by reducing potential barriers for experienced law enforcement professionals. The amendment preserves the existing comprehensive certification standards for peace officers, which include requirements such as being a U.S. citizen, being at least 21 years old, having a high school diploma or equivalent, passing background checks, medical examinations, drug screenings, psychological evaluations, and other professional standards, while providing flexibility for long-serving officers who were employed before the current certification regime was established.

Military Affairs and Security

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/hb17.html