HALO Act Targets First Responder Safety

Kentucky Senator to Introduce HALO Act to Create Safety Zones Around First Responders

A new public safety proposal aimed at protecting both first responders and the general public is set to be introduced in the Kentucky Senate this week.

Sen. Matt Nunn of Sadieville announced Thursday that he will file legislation known as the HALO Act, a measure that would establish a 25-foot safety zone around first responders who are lawfully performing their official duties. The proposal is designed to reduce interference during high-risk, high-stress situations while preserving lawful public activity.

“This proposal is about the safety of the general public as much as it’s about the safety of those who serve,” Nunn said in announcing the legislation. He emphasized that the goal is to set clear boundaries that allow first responders to do their jobs without unnecessary distractions or threats, while also maintaining respect for constitutional protections.

What the HALO Act Would Do

The HALO Act would create a defined 25-foot buffer zone around first responders actively engaged in their duties. Under the proposal, individuals who receive a verbal warning and then continue to interfere, threaten, or harass a first responder could face escalating penalties.

A first violation would be classified as a Class B misdemeanor. A second or third offense would rise to a Class A misdemeanor, and any subsequent offense would be considered a Class D felony.

The legislation applies to a broad range of first responders as defined under Kentucky Revised Statutes, including peace officers, paid or volunteer firefighters, emergency medical services and rescue personnel, and members of private nonprofit organizations providing fire, rescue, or EMS services. The bill would also cover probation and parole officers, as well as university and airport police.

Balancing Safety and Civil Liberties

Nunn stressed that the proposal is not intended to limit lawful public gatherings or activities protected under the First Amendment.

“I want to be clear: the HALO Act isn’t aimed at public gatherings protected by the First Amendment,” he said. “Law enforcement and civil discourse can—and should—coexist without escalation.”

According to Nunn, the legislation is most relevant in everyday situations where first responders are called into volatile environments, such as domestic disputes, traffic accidents, or medical emergencies in public spaces. In those moments, he said, distractions and interference can escalate already dangerous situations and put lives at risk.

Modeled After Existing Law

The HALO Act is modeled after legislation first enacted in Florida. Nunn said the Kentucky proposal reflects similar principles, focusing on deterrence through clear standards and graduated penalties rather than broad restrictions.

The measure comes as Kentucky continues to examine ways to protect emergency personnel following the enactment of laws strengthening penalties for violent crimes against first responders. Current state law defines a “first responder” in statutes related to serious criminal offenses and outlines severe penalties for crimes committed against those serving in official capacities.

Support From Law Enforcement Leaders

The proposal has received backing from the law enforcement community. Shawn Butler, executive director of the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police, said the measure addresses real-world safety concerns while respecting the public’s rights.

“Protecting first responders and the public during high-stress situations is essential,” Butler said. “This legislation reduces risk, maintains a safe environment and preserves the public’s right to lawfully record police activity.”

As the bill is formally introduced, lawmakers are expected to begin debating how best to balance public safety, accountability, and civil liberties. Nunn expressed hope that Kentuckians will view the HALO Act as a commonsense step toward protecting those who regularly step into dangerous situations on behalf of their communities.