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HB 80

AN ACT relating to federal firearm restrictions.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Calloway and 2 co-sponsors

HB 80 blocks Kentucky from enforcing or mirroring federal gun restrictions repealed or ruled unconstitutional, and allows civil penalties for officials and protections for individu

to Judiciary (H)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 80

Summary of HB 80 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

  • HB 80 aims to restrict the enforcement and existence of federal firearm restrictions that have been repealed or declared unconstitutional.
  • The bill asserts a constitutional right to keep and bear arms and positions Kentucky as protecting that right against federal or state actions it views as infringements.
  • It creates a framework to nullify, within Kentucky, any federal firearm restriction that is repealed or ruled unconstitutional, and blocks Kentucky authorities from mirroring or enforcing such restrictions.

Key provisions and changes

  • New section added to Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 237:
    1. The General Assembly affirming the right to keep and bear arms as a natural, inalienable right recognized by both the U.S. and Kentucky constitutions.
    2. Definition of “federal firearm restriction” to include:
      • National Firearms Act (26 U.S.C. § 5801 et seq.)
      • Gun Control Act (18 U.S.C. § 921 et seq.)
      • Firearms Owners' Protection Act (Pub. L. No. 99-308)
    3. Effective upon repeal of a federal restriction or a Supreme Court/federal court decision declaring it unconstitutional, and only to the extent permitted by those federal actions.
    4. Prohibits Kentucky state agencies and subdivisions from enacting or enforcing any law that mirrors or imposes a restriction similar to a repealed/unconstitutional federal restriction.
    5. Protections for individuals:
      • No prosecution, fines, or penalties for activities regulated by a repealed/unconstitutional federal restriction.
      • Prohibits law enforcement and public officials from enforcing or assisting in enforcement of such repealed/unconstitutional restrictions.
      • Allows civil actions for damages, costs, and attorneys’ fees against violators.
      • Waives sovereign/Eleventh Amendment immunity to the extent of liability created.
    6. Penalties for officials who knowingly enforce such restrictions:
      • Fine up to $250 and possible termination from employment.
    7. Manufacturers and federal firearms dealers retain the right to manufacture, sell, or possess firearms and accessories that are no longer restricted under federal law.

Who or what is affected

  • State and local government entities, including departments, commissions, agencies, and political subdivisions.
  • Law enforcement agencies, officers, and public officials in Kentucky.
  • Private individuals who might be impacted by enforcement actions or civil actions related to repealed/unconstitutional federal restrictions.
  • Firearm manufacturers and federally licensed firearms dealers are acknowledged to continue operation with respect to restrictions that are no longer in effect federally.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective immediately upon federal repeal or a court ruling declaring a federal restriction unconstitutional; applies to restrictions no longer in effect.
  • Violations and enforcement actions tailored to occur in Kentucky’s jurisdiction; in cases of violation, civil liability and penalties apply as described.
  • The bill includes a specific enforcement and immunity framework, including a mechanism for civil suits and a defined fine/termination penalty for implicated officials.

Fiscal and implementation notes

  • Local Government Mandate Statement indicates minimal or indeterminate fiscal impact, with an expected minimally positive effect.
  • Potential cost savings projected due to reduced enforcement work related to repealed federal restrictions, though overall fiscal impact is uncertain.

Additional context

  • House Bill 80 is sponsored by Rep. T.J. Roberts, with co-sponsors Rep. Savannah Maddox and Rep. Josh Calloway.
  • The bill has progressed through the Judiciary (H) committee process in the 2026 session.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law (KRS Chapter 237) and the specific federal statutes cited to illustrate exact changes.

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

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