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HB 47

AN ACT relating to federal immigration law enforcement.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shane Baker and 19 co-sponsors

Allows Kentucky peace officers to participate in ICE 287(g) immigration enforcement through written agreements and required 40-hour training.

to Judiciary (H)
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Bill Summary · HB 47

Summary of HB 47 (2026RS) – Kentucky

Relates to federal immigration law enforcement

1) Main purpose and intent

HB 47 seeks to authorize Kentucky peace officers to participate in federal immigration enforcement activities through the federal "287(g) Task Force Model Program" operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill establishes requirements for departments to enter into agreements with ICE, sets training and certification standards, and integrates ICE 287(g) program training into Kentucky’s in-service training framework. The overall aim appears to formalize participation in 287(g)-style activities while aligning training and certification with state standards.

2) Key provisions and changes

A. Creation of a Task Force Model Program framework

  • Defines the “Task Force Model Program” as the ICE program under which state/local officers may enforce limited immigration authority during routine police duties (per 287(g), 8 U.S.C. § 1357).
  • Requires each department post to enter into a written agreement with ICE to participate in the program.
  • Requires each participating officer to complete 40 hours of training.

B. Basic training and precertification requirements (KRS 15.404 amendments)

  • Officers hired after December 1, 1998 who have not completed basic training must do so within 1 year, with possible extensions up to 180 days for extenuating circumstances.
  • If not completed within the allotted time (including extensions), the officer loses law enforcement powers and precertification lapses; cannot serve as a peace officer for 1 year from lapse.

C. In-service training for all certified peace officers

  • All active-certified peace officers must complete 40 hours of annual in-service training, aligned to rank, responsibility, and department size/location.
  • For officers in agencies that have ICE 287(g) task force agreements and who complete ICE’s mandatory 287(g) training, that ICE training can count toward the annual 40-hour requirement in the year the training is initially completed.
  • The Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC) must certify ICE’s 287(g) training as an approved in-service program for credit toward the annual 40 hours.
  • Extensions for in-service training may be granted up to 180 days in extenuating circumstances; extensions begin upon officer return to work if illness/injury is the cause.
  • If training requirements aren’t met, officers face loss of powers and certification status becomes “training deficiency.”
  • Waivers exist for active-duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces and are retroactive to September 11, 2001.

D. Certification and recertification if training is deficient

  • Officers who are deficient can regain certification by successfully completing the required training.

E. Provisions for constables

  • Elected constables may apply for admission to a basic training course (with precertification prerequisites) and are responsible for related costs except for basic training at a state-certified course.

3) Who or what is affected

  • Kentucky peace officers and their employing agencies.
  • Officers who would participate in ICE’s 287(g) Task Force Model Program (through written ICE agreements).
  • Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC) as the certifying body for training equivalencies and approvals.
  • ICE through its 287(g) delegation program.
  • Constables seeking to complete basic training.

4) Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Implementation hinges on each department post entering into a written agreement with ICE to participate in the Task Force Model Program.
  • Training timelines:
    • New officers: basic training within 1 year (180-day extension possible).
    • All certified officers: 40 hours of in-service training annually (credit for ICE 287(g) training available in the year of completion).
  • Extensions for both basic and in-service training may extend up to 180 days under extenuating circumstances.
  • Waivers exist for active U.S. Armed Forces service; retroactive waiver to 9/11/2001.
  • If training is incomplete, certification is suspended and powers are lost until remediation.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Expands involvement of Kentucky law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement via the 287(g) framework.
  • Creates a formalized pathway for training alignment between state requirements and ICE’s 287(g) program.
  • Establishes clear consequences for failure to complete required training, potentially affecting officer workforce and departmental capabilities.
  • May have measurable effects on staffing, intergovernmental agreements, and training logistics within participating agencies.

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

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