Bill > HB61

This bill establishes the Kentucky Emergency Volunteer Corps (KEV Corps), a new organization composed of unarmed volunteers across each county who will operate under the direction of local emergency management directors and the adjutant general to provide trained support during emergencies. To be eligible, volunteers must be Kentucky residents between 18 and 64, not currently in the armed forces, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, complete basic training or have recent military service, and maintain required certifications. The bill also outlines training standards, including constitutional law, first aid, FEMA's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, and communication skills, and specifies a uniform for KEV Corps members. It creates a dedicated Kentucky Emergency Volunteer Corps fund, financed by state appropriations, donations, and grants, to cover uniforms, training, and supplies, with unexpended funds carrying over to the next fiscal year. The bill amends existing laws to allow local emergency management directors to utilize the KEV Corps during local disasters or emergencies, integrate the KEV Corps into local disaster and emergency services organizations, and permit cities and counties to use KEV Corps members. Furthermore, it extends protections related to limited liability to KEV Corps members when performing their duties.

Military Affairs and Security

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/hb61.html