Bill > HB41

This bill establishes the Kentucky Emergency Volunteer Corps (KEV Corps) as a new volunteer unit within the Kentucky State Defense Force, designed to provide trained volunteer support during emergency situations. The KEV Corps will consist of unarmed volunteers aged 18-64 who are Kentucky residents, have a high school diploma, pass a criminal background check, and complete extensive training that includes constitutional knowledge, first aid, emergency communications, physical training, and other skills. Volunteers will be required to attend monthly training and an annual week-long training session, wear a specific uniform of khaki pants, a logoed tee shirt, safety vest, and sturdy footwear, and will be supervised by the local emergency management director and the adjutant general. The corps is explicitly prohibited from performing military duties, making arrests, or carrying weapons, and is intended to assist during severe weather, earthquakes, and declared emergencies by supporting local emergency management agencies, governments, first responders, and volunteer organizations. The bill also creates a dedicated KEV Corps fund in the state treasury to support uniforms, training, emergency supplies, and related expenses, with funds that do not expire at the end of each fiscal year. Local emergency management directors will now have the authority to integrate KEV Corps members into their local disaster and emergency services organizations, providing additional volunteer support during critical situations.

Military Affairs and Security

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/hb41.html