Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Police Off Duty Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate committee advances bill letting Kentucky state troopers take approved off‑duty work under commissioner oversight
Summary
The Veterans, Military Affairs & Public Protection committee voted 7–1 to advance SB 278, which would let Kentucky State Police troopers accept approved off‑duty law enforcement assignments (public events, safety contracts) while prohibiting work at retail, private parties or alcohol‑focused establishments and requiring commissioner approval.
The Veterans, Military Affairs & Public Protection committee advanced Senate Bill 278 on a 7–1 vote after hearing sponsor remarks that the measure would allow Kentucky State Police troopers to take approved off‑duty law enforcement work under commissioner review.
"This is about supporting the men and the women who wear the gray uniform while maintaining the high standards of the Kentucky State Police," Senator Aaron Reed said as he presented the bill, describing it as granting troopers the same opportunities many local police officers already have while keeping oversight in place. Reed noted the legislation specifies appropriate assignments — public events and public‑safety contracts — and prohibits work at retail stores, private parties or establishments that primarily serve alcohol.
Steve Kelly, a contract lobbyist for the Kentucky State Police Professional Association, and others testified in support. The sponsor said the assignments would be reviewed and approved by the commissioner and must not conflict with a trooper’s duties, impair performance or reflect poorly on the agency. "These men and women dedicated their lives to protecting Kentucky, and this bill simply gives them the same opportunity many other law enforcement officers already have while keeping proper oversight in place," the sponsor added.
Committee members expressed support for compensating troopers and noted the program’s benefit to private employers who need trained, authorized officers for higher‑risk security details. One senator asked to explain a yes vote and described hiring off‑duty officers in private security as a way to ensure trained personnel with arrest authority respond to incidents.
After brief discussion, the committee recorded a 7–1 favorable vote to advance SB 278. The chair said the bill should pass on the floor with a favorable expression.
The committee’s action advances the measure to the next stage; sponsors and committee leadership indicated the bill would be scheduled for floor consideration.
