AN ACT relating to the Kentucky Fire Commission, making an appropriation therefor, and declaring an emergency.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Deneen

Establishes and funds the Kentucky Fire Commission, outlines its powers and responsibilities, and makes the act effective immediately with an emergency clause.

to Appropriations & Revenue (S)

#appropriations #boardsandcommissions #diseases #effectivedates #emergency #fireprevention #firefightersandfiredepartments #localmandate #publicofficersandemployees

Summary of SB 44 (2026 Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

SB 44 is an act relating to the Kentucky Fire Commission. The bill:

Establishes and clarifies authorities, funding mechanisms, and administrative actions for the Kentucky Fire Commission.

Declares an emergency, signaling the measure’s intended immediate effectiveness upon enactment.

Includes an appropriation to support the Commission’s activities.

Key provisions and changes

Agency focus: Directly addresses the Kentucky Fire Commission, outlining its scope of operations, powers, and responsibilities in relation to firefighting services, training, certification, and regulation within the Commonwealth.

Appropriation: Creates or authorizes an appropriation to fund the Commission’s programs, operations, or related initiatives. Specific dollar amounts, allocations, or funding sources are indicated in the bill text (not provided here), but the act name confirms a financial component.

Emergency declaration: The bill includes an emergency clause, which would make the act take effect immediately upon passage and signature, rather than following the usual delayed effective date.

Who is affected

Directly affected: The Kentucky Fire Commission, including its staff, programs, and operations.

Indirectly affected: Fire departments, emergency responders, training academies, and stakeholders regulated or overseen by the Commission (e.g., firefighters seeking certification, fire service entities, and ancillary agencies involved in fire safety administration).

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced: January 7, 2026.

Referral: Sent to Senate Committee on Committees and subsequently to Appropriations & Revenue (S) for consideration.

Emergency status: The act contains an emergency clause, indicating it would become effective immediately upon enactment, expediting implementation of funding or regulatory changes.

Next steps: Likely requires passage by both chambers (Senate and House) and signature by the governor to become law. The emergency provision suggests an aim to address urgent needs or gaps in fire protection and administration.

Additional notes

The bill’s exact monetary figures, specific programmatic changes (e.g., credentialing standards, training requirements, grant programs, or regulatory actions), and administrative details would be found in the full bill text. The summary above captures the high-level intent and major structural changes: funding for the Kentucky Fire Commission, an emergency effective date, and the resulting impact on fire service administration in Kentucky.