Kentucky Establishes Volunteer Corps for Disaster Response Under Military Affairs

Original title: AN ACT relating to the Kentucky Emergency Volunteer Corps.

Last action · January 14, 2026: to Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (H)Sponsors: John Hodgson and 11 others

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What This Bill Proposed

Kentucky creates the Kentucky Emergency Volunteer Corps (KEV Corps) as an unarmed, trained volunteer unit organized under the Division of Emergency Management to assist during severe weather, earthquakes, and declared emergencies.

Why it matters

Creates a structured framework for unpaid citizens to assist local emergency management operations, establishing specific eligibility rules, mandatory monthly and annual training requirements, and a dedicated State Treasury fund administered by the Department of Military Affairs.

Who It Would Have Affected

Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Kentucky residents aged 18 to 64

Eligible citizens may volunteer to join the KEV Corps, subject to background checks, training commitments, and uniform standards.

Directly affected

Local emergency management directors

Directors gain authority to direct, supervise, and deploy KEV Corps volunteer units locally during emergencies.

Directly affected

Department of Military Affairs

Administers the new KEV Corps fund and may develop a command structure for regional or statewide emergency coordination.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to join the Kentucky Emergency Volunteer Corps?

Able-bodied Kentucky residents between the ages of 18 and 64 who are not current members of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserves, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and complete required training.

What powers do KEV Corps members have during emergencies?

They provide trained volunteer support during emergencies under local direction, but they do not have peace officer powers, the authority to make arrests or issue citations, or the authority to carry or use deadly weapons.

How is the KEV Corps funded?

The corps relies on state appropriations, donations, grants, and federal funds deposited into a dedicated Kentucky Emergency Volunteer Corps fund administered by the Department of Military Affairs.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · in House committee.

Procedural history

2 actions

Jan 14, 2026HouseCommittee
to Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (H)
Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced
introduced in House to Committee on Committees (H)

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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