HOWELL’S SENATE BILL 237 WILL MAKE IT EASIER 

TO RECRUIT LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

FRANKFORT, KY (March 5, 2025)— Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray, shepherded legislation to help address the shortage of law enforcement officers across the state by making it easier for certified officers to transfer in from another state. 

"Typically, when police officers move to a new state, they are required to requalify for physical fitness standards when the focus should be on maximizing the benefits of their training and experience,“ said Howell. “We may have officers considering relocating to Kentucky to be closer to family or take advantage of Kentucky's affordable cost of living.”

Senate Bill 237 states that a person who is or has been a peace officer in another state doesn't need to pass a physical agility test if they meet certain conditions. These include being in good standing with their previous agency and having at least 10 years of continuous service as a law enforcement officer. 

“This bill helps address the shortage of law enforcement officers in communities across the state,” he said. “We welcome qualified and skilled peace officers certified in other states to consider moving to Kentucky. The bill will improve public safety as our communities will benefit from the expertise already gained from their years of service,” said Howell.

The bill also streamlines the hiring process. Now that it has passed the full Senate, SB 237 may be taken up by the House during the 2025 Legislative Session. The General Assembly has eight legislative days remaining, plus a 10-day veto period to allow the governor to either sign a bill into law or veto it.  Because the legislature keeps two remaining days at the end of the session, they can swiftly override any of the governor’s vetoes.  

For more on Howell’s bills and other legislation passed during the 2025 session, go to the Legislative Research Commission’s webpage here.

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Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray, represents the 1st Senate District, including Calloway, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Lyon, and Trigg Counties. Howell serves as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and co-chairs the Tobacco Settlement Committee. He is vice chair on the License and Occupation Standing Committee and the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committees. He is a member of the Senate Committees on Banking and Insurance, and Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor. Additionally, Howell serves on the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee and the Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee.


For a high-resolution .jpeg of Howell, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate101.jpg.