STORM BILLS TO STRENGTHEN PUBLIC SAFETY AND SUPPORT COURT OPERATIONS ADVANCE FROM SENATE

STORM BILLS TO STRENGTHEN PUBLIC SAFETY AND SUPPORT COURT OPERATIONS ADVANCE FROM SENATE 

Measures address copper theft tied to critical infrastructure and expand authority of court security officers to assist with detainee transport

FRANKFORT, KY. (March 12, 2026) — The Kentucky Senate has approved two measures sponsored by Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London, aimed at strengthening public safety and improving the operations of the state’s criminal justice system.

Senate Bill (SB) 291 targets the resale market for stolen metals by creating a statewide licensing system for secondary metal recyclers. The legislation requires recyclers to obtain licenses, complete background checks and report metal transactions through the LeadsOnline database to assist law enforcement in tracking stolen materials.

Storm said the measure builds on legislation passed in 2025 that strengthened criminal penalties for damaging critical infrastructure.

“Copper theft and similar crimes can disrupt communications systems, power lines and other critical infrastructure,” Storm said. “By improving oversight of the resale market, this legislation gives law enforcement better tools to track stolen materials and hold offenders accountable.”

The Senate also approved SB 312, which expands the authority of certified court security officers to assist with transporting individuals in custody or under court order.

The legislation allows court security officers to transport detainees beyond courthouse grounds when directed by a judge and grants them arrest authority while supervising or transporting individuals in custody. The bill also allows these officers to transport individuals involved in certain involuntary mental health commitment proceedings.



Storm said the measure helps address logistical challenges courts and law enforcement agencies face when managing prisoner and detainee transportation.

“These updates will help courts operate more efficiently while maintaining the safety of officers, detainees and the public,” Storm said.

Both bills now move to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Learn more about bills, committees, and other important updates on the 2026 Regular Session at www.kylegislature.gov.