Introduced

Passed House

Passed Senate

Became law

Adjourned sine die. The bill was pending when the session ended, so it did not pass.

Last action · February 17, 2026

To Judiciary (H)

Introduced February 9, 2026

House

Adjourned Sine Die

2026 Regular Session

HB599

AN ACT relating to crimes and punishments.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 503 to provide a justification for the use of physical force or deadly physical force by a defendant operating a motor vehicle while fleeing the immediate area of an obstruction of a highway or public passage; amend KRS 525.015 to expand the elements of obstructing an emergency responder; provide enhanced penalties; allow restitution to an agency for the reasonable costs of an emergency response; amend KRS 525.140 to…

Corrections Impact Local Mandate Civil Actions Civil Procedure Crimes and Punishments Criminal Procedure

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This bill changes Kentucky law in several ways related to blocking roads or obstructing emergency responders. It increases penalties for those offenses, allows courts to order people convicted of them to pay back the costs of emergency responses, and creates a new right for victims to sue in civil court for damages. It also adds a legal defense for drivers who use physical force, including deadly force, while driving away from an area where a road is being blocked. Who it may affect: drivers, protesters or demonstrators, emergency responders and their agencies, and anyone seeking civil damages from road-blocking incidents.

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