Committee backs bill letting private hospitals form state‑certified police units
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Summary
The House committee voted to report HB 248 favorably after sponsors said the measure would let private hospitals create state‑certified police departments limited to hospital property; members asked about training, oversight and citizen complaint procedures.
Representative Wade Williams, sponsor of House Bill 248, told the House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protections that the bill would give private hospitals the option to create police departments staffed by fully sworn, state‑certified officers who would operate under Kentucky law and coordinate with local law enforcement.
"HB 248 allows hospitals the option to create a police department that's staffed by fully sworn, fully trained law enforcement officers operating under Kentucky law," Williams said, describing the units as limited to hospital property and intended to free local departments from routine disturbance calls. He said the officers would hold the "exact same certification of every police officer in the state of Kentucky." Representative Chance Farmer, a hospital security chief testifying with the sponsor, described workplace violence as widespread in health care.
Members focused questions on training and oversight. Representative Canyo asked whether hospital officers would receive the same crisis de‑escalation training as municipal police; Williams replied, "Yes — exact same certification." Representative Moore highlighted section 7 of the bill, saying it addressed citizen complaint processes; Williams confirmed the procedures mirror standards for other law enforcement agencies.
Committee members also pressed on jurisdiction and employment status. Williams said the bill limits officer jurisdiction to hospital‑controlled property and that hospital officers would be private employees, not members of public retirement systems. Representative Wesley and others sought reassurance that the units would not extend policing into the wider community.
After discussion, the committee moved the bill and, following a roll call, reported House Bill 248 favorably to the full House.
What happens next: The committee recommended HB 248 for passage; the measure will proceed to the House floor for further consideration.