Amend KRS 15.310 to define "agency" and "court order"; amend KRS 15.382 to provide that minimum standards for peace officer certification shall be met prior to being hired; exclude any candidate that is prohibited by a court order from possessing a firearm; provide that certain screening tests conducted by local law enforcement agencies be approved by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council; amend KRS 15.3975 to provide that any extension for a court security officer to complete required training may be granted by the executive director of the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council; amend KRS 15.404 to provide that any extension for a peace officer to complete required training may be granted by the executive director of the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council; amend KRS 15.405 to require an agency to request previous employment records for a candidate before making a conditional offer of employment; amend KRS 15.990 to provide that any agency who does not comply with KRS 15.405 shall be subject to a fine of between $25 and $1,000.
Sponsored bills
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 247 to define terms; establish the Kentucky Urban Youth Agriculture Initiative to promote farming to youth in urban counties with a pilot program in at least 1 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service office by September 1, 2026; set each program term to 1 year in duration, beginning each January; establish guidelines and participant eligibility.
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 158 to allow school districts to implement a wearable panic alert system; establish system criteria; require the Department of Education to provide a list of approved wearable panic alert systems; require the Center for School Safety to establish the Wearable Panic Alert Grant Program; amend KRS 158.446 to allow the Center for School Safety to distribute wearable panic alert grants using funds appropriated in the biennial budget to support school safety; provide that the Act may be cited as Alyssa's Law.
Maddy summaryHB 685 requires Kentucky's Education Professional Standards Board to issue 5-year teaching certificates to new teachers who pass required assessments. This directly affects new educators and those seeking additional certification in Kentucky public schools, as it mandates successful completion of field-specific tests before receiving a professional certificate. Key provisions include: (1) a 5-year professional certificate after passing assessments, (2) conditional certificates for one year if assessments are failed (with mentoring support), and (3) temporary certificates for out-of-state teachers with less than two years' experience. The bill standardizes certification timelines and assessment requirements without altering existing fee structures or minority recruitment data collection.
Amend KRS 157.220 to require the Kentucky Department of Education to promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with the maximum class sizes and caseloads specified for exceptional children and youth; make technical corrections; amend KRS 157.200 to define "caseload" and "special classes"; amend KRS 157.230, 157.3175, and 159.990 to conform.
Amend KRS 158.307 to define "dysgraphia"; require the department to annually update the dyslexia toolkit; require the toolkit to include guidance on dysgraphia and strategies and other resources to be used for students displaying dyslexia and dysgraphia; require universal screeners and diagnostic tools be approved by the department; require each district to use evidence-based instructional strategies to provide intervention services; require school districts to report data to the department; amend KRS 164.304 to require postsecondary institutions offering teacher preparation programs include instruction on the application and implementation of a multitiered system of supports by the 2027-2028 school year.
Create new sections of KRS Chapter 216B to allow certain hospitals licensed under that chapter to establish hospital police departments; provide each hospital police officer with full general police powers, including the power to arrest, in performing his or her duties; specify the qualifications each officer shall have at the time of his or her employment; provide for the appointment or promotion to the ranks and grades of the department; prohibit persons from falsely representing themselves to be an officer; establish a citizen complaint and investigation process for complaints against an officer alleging misconduct.
Amend KRS 189.222 to allow vehicles with a gross weight of up to 90,000 pounds transporting fluid milk from a farm to the first market to operate on any state highway; allow for a 10% weight tolerance; provide exceptions and limitations; amend KRS 189.221 to conform.
Amend KRS 78.5520 to redefine "hazardous position" to include code enforcement and zoning inspection personnel employed by a consolidated local government for the purposes of benefits of the County Employees Retirement System.
Propose to amend Section 25 of the Constitution of Kentucky to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude in all circumstances, including as punishment for a crime; provide ballot language; submit to voters for ratification or rejection.