HB 155 — AN ACT relating to constables.

Summary

Create a new section of KRS Ch. 70 detailing legislative findings in regards to constables; create a new section of KRS Ch. 70 providing definitions; create a new section of KRS Ch. 70 establishing the Constable Certification Program, course components and length, operating procedures; require promulgation of administrative regulations, frequency of program, funding to be provided from KLEPF fund, establish in-service training requirements for certified graduates; require county board of elections to notify Constable's Association of any elected or appointed constable within 60 days, require the Department of Criminal Justice Training to maintain records of training, designate any constable who does not complete the program as "non-certified;" require Kentucky Constable's Association to maintain a list of certified and non-certified members; amend KRS 17.190 to include "certified constable or deputy constable; amend KRS 61.315 to include constable or deputy constables; include constables and deputy constables within certain benefits programs for line of duty incidents; amend KRS 61.362 to include constables; amend KRS 64.190 allow constables the same fees for services as sheriffs; amend KRS 64.250 removing provisions relating to officials in counties over 250,000; amend KRS 70.310 establish bond requirements for constables at $10,000; amend KRS 70.320 establish formula for constables in counties greater than 50,000 to appoint deputy constables; define salary for deputy constables; require that deputy constables be and remain certified; amend KRS 189.910 to include certified constable's or deputy constable's vehicles within definition of "emergency vehicle;" amend KRS 189.920 to require that these vehicles be equipped with blue lights, allow non-certified constables to have blue lights if authorized; amend KRS 189.450 to replace "police" with "peace;" include constables and deputy constables within the exemptions of the section; amend KRS 189.950 to remove certain requirements for blue lights; amend KRS 431.005 to include certified constables or deputy constables; amend KRS 431.007 to include certified constables or deputy constables, and exclude non-certified constables or deputy constables; repeal KRS 64.200 and 70.430; short title.

Bill Text

• Introduced View text Current pdf

Compared against the Kentucky Revised Statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill establishes a Constable Certification Program for constables and deputy constables, requiring training and certification for these positions.

• KRS Chapter 70

  In enacting legislation relating to constables, the General Assembly recognizes constables are elected constitutional peace officers. The General Assembly also recognizes that the duties of constables are an essential governmental service. It is the intent of Sections 1 to 3 of this Act to encourage constables to participate in approved training sessions to improve his or her skills as an elected constitutional peace officer in the Commonwealth.

  The bill acknowledges the role of constables as essential government officers and encourages training for them.

• KRS Chapter 70

  There is hereby created a Constable Certification Program that shall consist of the following components: (a) Forty (40) hours of instruction on basic officer skills; (b) Twenty-four (24) hours instruction on the penal code; (c) Sixteen (16) hours instruction on constitutional procedures; and (d) Eight (8) hours instruction on domestic violence.

  Establishes a formal training program for constables that includes defined instructional hours and topics.

• KRS Chapter 70

  Each certified constable or deputy constable is required to complete each calendar year a minimum of forty (40) hours of in-service training through a school or instructor recognized by the council.

  Mandates annual in-service training for certified constables and deputy constables.

• KRS 70.XXX

  the council shall issue a certificate of completion to each constable or deputy constable certifying he or she has completed the requisite course time under this section designating him or her as a certified constable or certified deputy constable.

  Provides a certification process for constables and deputy constables upon completion of training.

• KRS Chapter 70

  In order to maintain his or her certification as a certified constable or deputy constable, each certified constable or deputy constable shall annually meet the marksmanship qualification requirement for a retired peace officer as specified in KRS 237.140.

  Links the constable certification to existing marksmanship requirements for retired peace officers.

• KRS Chapter 70

  The program may be a combination of in-person and online training.

  Allows flexibility in the delivery of the certification training program.

• KRS Chapter 70

  The department shall maintain records of the number of in-service training hours completed by each constable or deputy constable in the Commonwealth.

  Requires record-keeping of training hours for constables and deputy constables.

• KRS Chapter 70

  Those constables or deputy constables who fail to complete the requisite training under this section shall be designated as a non-certified constable.

  Establishes a classification for constables and deputy constables who do not complete required training.

Action History

1. January 04, 2022

   to Committee on Committees (H)

2. January 04, 2022

   introduced in House

3. December 10, 2021

   Prefiled by the sponsor(s).

Sponsors

• Ryan Dotson · Primary
• Bill Wesley · Primary
• Josh Calloway · Primary
• Jennifer Decker · Primary
• Daniel Fister · Primary
• Chris Fugate · Primary
• Mark Hart · Primary
• Samara Heavrin · Primary
• Thomas Huff · Primary
• N. Kirk-McCormick · Primary
• William Lawrence · Primary
• Savannah Maddox · Primary
• Bobby McCool · Primary
• David W. Osborne · Primary
• M. Prunty · Primary
• Walker Thomas · Primary
• Ken Upchurch · Primary
• R. Webber · Primary
• Deanna Gordon · Primary
• Thomas Huff · Primary

Subjects