Committee approves tweak to Trooper R program to reset five-year eligibility window

The Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection recommended passage of Senate Bill 102, which adjusts the Trooper R rehire window to measure the five-year eligibility period from a trooper's last date of work with the Kentucky State Police rather than from the original retirement date.

Sponsor Senator Aaron Reed said the change is a targeted workforce measure allowing experienced, qualified troopers to return to service without creating a new retirement program. "If they still meet all standards and are willing to serve, this bill gives troopers more flexibility to use that experience where it's needed the most," the sponsor said.

Steve Kelly, a contract lobbyist for the Kentucky State Police Professional Association, told the committee the language helps troopers who leave and later return to service by using the last date of service as the basis for the eligibility window.

Members asked questions about training and system impacts. Senator Berg asked whether returning troopers would face additional continuing-education requirements; the sponsor said he would follow up. Senator Higdon said annual POP certification is required for any law-enforcement returnee and noted other State Police training requirements may apply. Higdon also raised a pension concern, noting that Trooper R hires do not make pension contributions and suggested the Legislature consider a normal-cost contribution (about 9%) to protect the retirement system.

A motion on the bill was made and seconded; the clerk called the roll and senators present recorded "Aye." SB102 received a favorable recommendation to pass and will move forward in the legislative process. The committee record does not include a fiscal note or implementation timetable in the hearing.