2026 Regular Session - Day 40 - HB 364 | Rep. Steve Bratcher

Mr. Speaker, House Bill 364 would authorize emergency response pay for the brave men and women of Kentucky National Guard when they're called to serve the Commonwealth for disasters and emergencies. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call House Floor Amendment 1. Clerk, please report. House Floor Amendment 1 to House Bill 364. General from Hardin. Mr. Speaker, House Floor Amendment 1 provides some clarification that defines Commonwealth emergency pay paid to Kentucky National Guard members when Kentucky National Guard members are called up and dealing with hazardous duty assignments while on state active duty orders during a state of emergency. And the amendment defines hazardous duty as work performed in conditions under which service members has an increased risk of serious injury, illness, or death. Mr. Speaker, I move for adoption of House Floor Amendment 1. Motion is for the adoption of House Floor Amendment 1. Is there any discussion of the floor amendment? Seeing none, those in favor signify by voting aye. Those opposed, nay. House Floor Amendment 1 is adopted. General from Hardin. Mr. Speaker, House Bill 364 ensures that Kentuckians who are serving our Commonwealth as part of the Kentucky National Guard's response to state emergency receive appropriate compensation. These citizen-soldiers are not distant strangers. They are neighbors, teachers, nurses, doctors, mechanics, farmers, police officers, small business owners, and they're coaching our kids, teams on weekends, and worship beside us on Sundays. When disaster strikes, tornadoes in western Kentucky, or the floods in eastern Kentucky, or emergency is demanding immediate response, it is the Kentucky National Guard who answer the call. They do not ask whether the waters are too high, or the debris is too dangerous, or the hours are too long. They go. When activated, they leave their families and civilian jobs behind, often taking pay cuts to serve in unstable, unpredictable, and sometimes life-threatening conditions. They clear roads, conduct rescues, provide security, distribute food and medical supplies, and stand watch in our communities during the darkest hours. We ask them to face many hazards. Commonwealth emergency pay is not a bonus or luxury. It is a recognition of respect made tangible. Other states already provide hazardous pay when the Guard members are deployed, and Kentucky should do the same. This measure strengthens readiness and morale. It supports recruit retention and tells our Guard members that their Kentucky families, Kentucky stands behind you. We often say support our troops, and today we have a chance to show it. These men and women do not hesitate when we call. Let us not hesitate now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move for passage of House Bill 364, as amended by House Floor Amendment 1.