HALO Act Advances in Kentucky House After Strong Senate Vote

A proposal aimed at giving first responders more breathing room while they work in dangerous, fast-moving situations is now headed to the Kentucky House of Representatives. Senate Bill 104, known as the HALO Act, passed the Kentucky Senate by a 32–6 vote and was delivered to the House for consideration this week.

Sponsored by Sen. Matt Nunn, R-Sadieville, the bill would establish a 25-foot safety zone around first responders performing official duties. The goal is to reduce interference, threats, and harassment at emergency scenes while still preserving the public’s constitutional rights.

Creating Space for Emergency Response

From traffic accidents to crime scenes and medical emergencies, first responders often operate in unpredictable and emotionally charged environments. The HALO Act is designed to create a clear buffer zone that allows police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and others to focus on stabilizing situations without unnecessary disruption.

Under the proposal, individuals would first receive a verbal warning before any penalties could apply. Only if someone continues to interfere, threaten, or obstruct first responders within the 25-foot zone would enforcement begin. Supporters say this framework emphasizes de-escalation first, with consequences reserved for repeated or intentional violations.

Measured Penalties With Escalating Consequences

The bill establishes a tiered system of penalties that escalate with repeated violations. A first offense after a verbal warning would be treated as a Class B misdemeanor, while repeat violations could rise to a Class D felony. Sen. Nunn said the structure is intended to deter repeat behavior rather than criminalize lawful presence near emergency scenes.

The legislation is modeled after a similar law in Florida and applies to a range of public safety professionals, including peace officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, probation and parole officers, as well as university and airport police.

Protecting Safety While Preserving Rights

Supporters of the HALO Act emphasize that the measure does not prohibit lawful observing or recording. The bill’s language specifically aims to balance public safety with constitutional protections, including the right to peacefully assemble and observe government activity.

According to Nunn, the intent is to create reasonable space at active scenes without restricting lawful behavior. The bill is crafted to withstand constitutional scrutiny while reinforcing boundaries once a verbal warning has been issued and ignored.

Next Steps in the Legislative Process

With Senate approval secured, SB 104 now moves to the Kentucky House of Representatives, where lawmakers will consider the measure in committee before any potential floor vote. The bill has drawn support from members of the law enforcement community, according to Nunn, and will likely prompt debate around the balance between public access and operational safety at emergency scenes.

As the 2026 Legislative Session continues, the HALO Act will be one of several public safety proposals working its way through the General Assembly. Whether the House advances the bill will determine if Kentucky joins other states that have adopted similar buffer-zone protections for first responders in the field.