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Bill Summary · SB 113

Summary of SB 113 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

SB 113 is an act relating to confiscated firearms in Kentucky. The bill’s overall aim is to address the handling, disposition, and related procedures for firearms that have been confiscated by authorities. While the full text would provide exact language, the bill appears oriented toward clarifying legal processes surrounding confiscated firearms, including how they are stored, evaluated, and ultimately disposed of or reallocated, and may touch on accountability and timelines for these actions.

Key provisions and changes (as typically found in confiscated firearms legislation)

  • Definitions and scope: Establishes what constitutes a “confiscated firearm” within the state, potentially including firearms seized in criminal investigations, forfeiture actions, or emergency protective order (EPO) scenarios.
  • Storage and safety requirements: Specifies secure, auditable storage protocols to prevent loss, theft, or improper handling of confiscated firearms.
  • Chain of custody and recordkeeping: Requires documentation tracing the firearm from seizure to disposition, ensuring an auditable trail and preventing unauthorized transfers.
  • Disposition timelines: Creates deadlines or permissible timelines for when confiscated firearms must be released to authorities, sold, destroyed, or used for other lawful purposes (e.g., training, donation to law enforcement, or auction).
  • Disposition options and authorities: Defines who may adjudicate or authorize disposal or transfer (e.g., local law enforcement agencies, state police, courts) and permits specific lawful dispositions such as sale, donation, or destruction, subject to applicable statutes.
  • Proceeds and use-of-funds: If disposals generate proceeds, the bill may outline how funds are to be allocated (e.g., to the agency, to a firearm-related program, or to a general fund), and any restrictions on use.
  • Compliance and penalties: Establishes penalties or sanctions for mishandling confiscated firearms or for noncompliance with the statute.
  • Interagency coordination: Encourages or requires coordination among law enforcement, judiciary, and other state agencies involved in firearm confiscation and disposition.

Who or what is affected

  • State and local law enforcement agencies: Primary custodians of confiscated firearms; affected by storage, documentation, and disposition requirements.
  • Judicial and prosecutorial offices: Involved in decisions regarding disposition timelines and authorization for transfer or destruction.
  • Procurement and property management entities: May oversee inventory and recordkeeping systems.
  • Public safety and firearm-related programs: Potentially impacted through any appropriation or allocation of proceeds from disposed firearms.
  • General public: Indirectly affected through improved procedures, transparency, and safety in handling seized firearms.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Introduction and committee referral: SB 113 was introduced in the Kentucky Senate on January 22, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Committees (S) for consideration.
  • Upcoming milestones: As with most measures, it would progress through standard committee hearings, potential amendments, floor votes, and, if passed, reconciliation with the House version (if applicable) and eventual signing by the governor. Specific deadlines would be set by the session calendar and chamber rules.

Notes

  • The summary above reflects typical features of confiscated firearms legislation and the limited information provided. The actual bill text may include additional provisions, definitions, or procedural details not captured here. For precise requirements, timelines, and any fiscal impact, the official bill text and fiscal note from the Kentucky legislature should be consulted.

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

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