Kentucky House approves bill tightening workplace criminal trespass rules

House Bill 306, a measure lawmakers said is intended to modernize Kentucky’s criminal trespass statutes, passed the Kentucky House of Representatives on Jan. 27, 2026, by a vote of 83–7.

Representative Edmondson, who explained the bill on the floor, said the bill “is a common sense measure to modernize Kentucky’s criminal trespass statutes” and would add a workplace-related definition to the criminal trespass statutes. Under the bill’s framework, disruptive or threatening behavior at a workplace could be charged as criminal trespass in the second degree, a class B misdemeanor, with repeat offenses eligible for enhancement to a class A misdemeanor.

Supporters framed the measure as a response to safety concerns for employees and employers. Edmondson said the change would allow escalation on subsequent offenses if a pattern of behavior is shown. The sponsor was recorded on the clerk’s report as Representative Meredith.

The House took the bill up from the orders of the day, the author explained the mechanics and purpose on the floor, and the body proceeded immediately to a roll-call vote. The clerk recorded 83 members voting in favor and 7 opposed. With that tally, the clerk declared the bill passed.

The House record does not show amendments adopted on the floor during that consideration, and no second or mover names beyond the explaining legislator were recorded in the floor explanation. The next steps for the measure are transmission to the Senate for concurrence if required by the legislative process.