Committee approves bill easing physical test for experienced out‑of‑state police recruits with conditions

Senator Jason Howe told the State and Local Government Committee the bill would narrow a certification requirement for out‑of‑state police officers, allowing certain experienced officers to avoid the physical testing requirement if they meet conditions. Howe said the bill applies to officers who have been continuously employed in law enforcement for 10 years, have been employed no more than three months since leaving their prior agency and were in good standing with their state of origin.

Howe described the measure as a way to retain experienced officers who might not pass a physical test because of injury or age-related issues but who bring substantial operational knowledge. “We’re bringing people in that have at least a minimum of 10 years of experience somewhere else,” Howe said, adding the effort is intended to hire for experience and judgment rather than physical prowess alone.

Concerns, clarifications and committee outcome Committee members asked whether the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC) had expressed concerns; Senator Howe acknowledged he had received a letter from KLEC raising issues and said he would continue discussions with the council. Committee discussion also clarified that a local hiring agency could still require a physical ability test if it wished; the bill would allow, not compel, a hiring authority to accept the waiver for experienced officers.

The committee approved the bill with 10 yays and one pass (recorded as one senator passing). Several members who spoke asked the sponsor to continue conversations with KLEC and other stakeholders before floor consideration.