Introduced
Passed Senate
Passed House
Became law
Last action · April 12, 2026
Became Law Without Governor's Signature (Acts Ch. 96)

Introduced January 22, 2026

Senate
Enacted
2026 Regular Session

AN ACT relating to first responders.

Short title: Gavin's Rights

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 519 to define terms; establish the crime of impeding a first responder.

In effect since July 15, 2026

Acts from the 2026 Regular Session that don't carry an emergency clause or set their own effective date took effect 90 days after the session adjourned (Ky. Constitution § 55).

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Plain-language summary
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This bill creates a new criminal offense for impeding a first responder in Kentucky. It defines relevant terms and establishes legal consequences for interfering with first responders while they carry out their duties. The law is intended to help protect emergency personnel responding to situations that require immediate action. Who it may affect: first responders including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, as well as members of the public who interact with them during emergencies.

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Legislative History

Jan 22, 2026 · Senate
Introduced In Senate
Jan 22, 2026 · Senate
To Committee On Committees (S)
Feb 11, 2026 · Senate
To Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (S)
Feb 12, 2026 · Senate
Reported Favorably, 1st Reading, To Calendar
Feb 13, 2026 · Senate
2nd Reading, To Rules (clerical)
Feb 13, 2026 · Senate
Posted For Passage In The Regular Orders Of The Day For Wednesday, February 18 2026 (clerical)
Feb 18, 2026 · Senate
Passed Over And Retained In The Orders Of The Day (clerical)
Feb 19, 2026 · Senate
3rd Reading, Passed 32-6
Yea: 32
Nay: 6
LegiScan roll call
Mar 25, 2026 · House
3rd Reading, Passed 79-16 With Floor Amendment (1) And Floor Amendment (2-Title)
Yea: 79
Nay: 16
Absent: 5
LegiScan roll call
Mar 25, 2026 · House
House Floor Vote
Passed
Yea: 81
Nay: 0
Absent: 19
LegiScan roll call
Mar 25, 2026 · House
House Floor Vote
Failed
Yea: 21
Nay: 56
Absent: 23
LegiScan roll call
Mar 25, 2026 · House
House Floor Vote
Failed
Yea: 20
Nay: 63
Absent: 17
LegiScan roll call
Mar 31, 2026 · Senate
Passed 32-6
Yea: 32
Nay: 6
LegiScan roll call

Primary Sponsor

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Portrait of Matt Nunn

Matt Nunn

Senator · Senate District 17

Primary sponsor
matt.nunn@kylegislature.gov

Co-sponsors (15)

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Portrait of Mike Wilson

Mike Wilson

Senator · Senate District 32

Co-sponsor
Mike.Wilson@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Gary Boswell

Gary Boswell

Senator · Senate District 08

Co-sponsor
gary.boswell@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Danny Carroll

Danny Carroll

Senator · Senate District 02

Co-sponsor
Danny.Carroll@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Matthew Deneen

Matthew Deneen

Senator · Senate District 10

Co-sponsor
matthew.deneen@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Donald Douglas

Donald Douglas

Senator · Senate District 22

Co-sponsor
Donald.Douglas@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Greg Elkins

Greg Elkins

Senator · Senate District 28

Co-sponsor
greg.elkins@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Scott Madon

Scott Madon

Senator · Senate District 29

Co-sponsor
scott.madon@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Robert Mills

Robert Mills

Senator · Senate District 04

Co-sponsor
Robby.Mills@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Mike Nemes

Mike Nemes

Senator · Senate District 38

Co-sponsor
Mike.Nemes@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Steve Rawlings

Steve Rawlings

Senator · Senate District 11

Co-sponsor
steve.rawlings@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Aaron Reed

Aaron Reed

Senator · Senate District 07

Co-sponsor
aaron.reed@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Craig Richardson

Craig Richardson

Senator · Senate District 03

Co-sponsor
craig.richardson@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Brandon Smith

Brandon Smith

Senator · Senate District 30

Co-sponsor
Brandon.Smith@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Lindsey Tichenor

Lindsey Tichenor

Senator · Senate District 06

Co-sponsor
lindsey.tichenor@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of George Wise

George Wise

Senator · Senate District 16

Co-sponsor
Max.Wise@kylegislature.gov

Bill Text Versions

Enacted: Acts chapter (final law)

Most current
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Enrolled (passed both chambers)

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Engrossed (passed one chamber)

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Introduced (original)

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