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SJR 72

A JOINT RESOLUTION directing the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General to create the Threat Response and Accountability Task Force to determine the chain of command and accountability matrix for a critical incident and declaring an emergency.

2025 Regular Session

Directs Kentucky AG to form the Threat Response and Accountability Task Force to map command chains, assess failure risks, propose interagency fixes, and report by Jan 1, 2026.

to Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (S)
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Bill Summary · SJR 72

Summary — SJR 72 (2025): Threat Response and Accountability Task Force

Status: Enacted (introduced Feb–Apr 2025); emergency clause — takes effect upon passage
Primary sponsor(s): Multiple senators
Subject: Directs the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General to create a task force to determine chain of command and accountability for critical incidents/terror attacks; report required.

Purpose / Intent

The resolution directs the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office to create the Threat Response and Accountability Task Force to (1) define a clear chain of command and accountability matrix for critical incidents and terror attacks, (2) identify failure risks in communications/technical/structural systems, (3) propose collaborative intervention methods between state and local entities, and (4) recommend procedural or legislative changes to improve threat response and continuity of protection for the Commonwealth. The preamble cites recent terror incidents, perceived breakdowns in command and accountability, and concerns about border security as motivating factors.

Key provisions

  • Establishment: The Attorney General’s Office is directed to create the Threat Response and Accountability Task Force.
  • Tasks required:
    • Determine chain of command and accountability matrices before, during, and after critical incidents or terror attacks.
    • Identify indicators useful for assessing communication, technical, and structural failure risks.
    • Identify intervention methods for collaborative responses to failures.
    • Recommend process, procedural, or legislative changes to mitigate failures and improve response.
    • Prepare a report outlining recommended measures, key risk areas, and policy/legislative solutions (including a chain-of-command/accountability matrix for each attack type).
  • Membership (minimum specified):
    • State agencies: Department of Military Affairs; Kentucky Office of Homeland Security Intelligence Fusion Center; Kentucky State Police; Division of Emergency Management; Transportation Cabinet; Kentucky State Fair Board; Kentucky Derby Festival; Kentucky League of Cities; Kentucky Association of Counties.
    • Two state senators (appointed by President of the Senate) and two state representatives (appointed by the Speaker of the House).
    • Additional representatives appointed by the Attorney General from specified entities and any other individuals/entities the AG deems necessary.
  • Meetings: At least twice every three months.
  • Report deadline: The Attorney General’s Office must submit the task force report to the Legislative Research Commission no later than January 1, 2026; LRC will refer it to the Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection.
  • Emergency clause: Declares an emergency so the resolution takes effect immediately upon passage/approval.

Who is affected

  • State executive agencies (listed above) and local governments (cities/counties) involved in emergency response and public safety.
  • State legislature and legislative oversight committees (receiving the report).
  • Law enforcement, emergency management, transportation and event organizers (e.g., fair board, Derby Festival) may be subject to recommended changes.
  • The resolution may prompt future statutory or procedural changes that affect interagency roles and response protocols.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Meetings must occur regularly (≥2 times per 3 months).
  • Final report due to LRC by Jan 1, 2026.
  • Because of the emergency declaration, the resolution became effective immediately upon enactment.

Note: This joint resolution directs the AG to convene and report; any recommended statutory or operational changes arising from the task force would require separate legislative or executive action to implement.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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