Kentucky legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Kentucky HB599: AN ACT relating to crimes and punishments.
Status: In committee, February 17, 2026
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 expand the elements of obstructing a highway or other public passage; provide enhanced penalties; allow restitution to an agency for the reasonable costs of an emergency response; create a new section of KRS Chapter 411 to establish a civil cause of action for recovery of damages caused by obstructing an emergency responder or obstruction of a highway or other public passage; amend KRS 413.140 to provide a 1-year statute of limitation for the cause of action for recovery of damages caused by obstructing an emergency responder or obstruction of a highway or other public passage; amend KRS 503.085 to conform.
What the bill says
An act relating to crimes and punishments.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT relating to crimes and punishments. WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Kentucky recognizes the right of its citizens to travel freely and safely on public roadways without obstruction or intimidation; and WHEREAS, incidents in which individuals intentionally block roadways have caused fear, injury, and interference with emergency services and lawful transit; and WHEREAS, the presence of individuals obstructing public roadways creates situations of heightened tension and perceived threat, particularly when motorists are surrounded by a crowd; and WHEREAS, individuals who block roadways voluntarily assume the risk inherent in unlawfully entering or obstructing a public roadway when they have clear alternatives for lawful actions that do not jeopardize their own safety or that of others; NOW, THEREFORE, Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: SECTION 1. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 503 IS CREATED TO READ AS FOLLOWS: (1) The use of physical force by a defendant operating a motor vehicle that comes into contact with another person is justifiable (b) The obstruction of the highway or other public passage was unauthorized and in violation of state law or a local ordinance; (c) The defendant was operating a motor vehicle in a lawful manner to flee from the immediate area of an obstruction of a highway or other public passage; and (d) A reasonable person …
Sponsors
- Emily Callaway (R, HD-037) · primary sponsor
- Jason Nemes (R, HD-033)
- Jennifer Decker (R, HD-058)
- Steven Doan (R, HD-069)
- Ken Fleming (R, HD-048)
- Mark Hart (R, HD-078)
- John Hodgson (R, HD-036)
- Thomas Huff (R, HD-049)
- DJ Johnson (R, HD-013)
- Chris Lewis (R, HD-029)
- Matt Lockett (R, HD-039)
- T.J. Roberts (R, HD-066)
Latest actions
- : to Judiciary (H)
- : to Committee on Committees (H)
- : introduced in House
Subjects: Criminal Procedure, Crimes And Punishments, Local Mandate, Corrections Impact, Civil Actions, Civil Procedure
Common questions
- What is HB599?
- HB599 is a bill in the Kentucky Legislature (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT relating to crimes and punishments.
- What does HB599 do?
- In its own words: An act relating to crimes and punishments.
- What is the status of HB599?
- In committee as of February 17, 2026. Latest action: to Judiciary (H) (February 17, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB599?
- Emily Callaway (R, HD-037), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB599?
- On the Kentucky Legislature website: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26rs/hb599.html
Source: official Kentucky record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.