Kentucky Trespass Bill Seeks to Protect Workers From ‘Disgruntled’ Individuals

February 7, 2026

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Frankfort, KY — Legislation aimed at clarifying Kentucky’s criminal trespass laws to improve workplace safety has advanced out of the state House.

House Bill 306, sponsored by Reps. Michael Meredith, R-Brownsville, and Vanessa Grossl, R-Georgetown, would expand the state’s second-degree criminal trespass statute to include knowingly entering or remaining in a workplace after notice against trespass is given while engaging in disruptive or threatening behavior.

Under the proposal, a second or subsequent second-degree criminal trespass offense within three years would be classified as a Class A misdemeanor. A second or subsequent third-degree trespass offense within the same period would be elevated to a Class B misdemeanor.

Speaking during a House hearing, Meredith said the measure targets individuals who show a pattern of disruptive conduct. The bill would also broaden the statutory definition of a building to include any structure, vehicle, watercraft, or aircraft where people live or gather for business, government, education, religion, entertainment, or public transportation.

“This bill simply tries to make our workplaces safer for employees and employers against the threats of folks who might be mad as disgruntled customers or disgruntled former employees,” Meredith said.

The House passed the bill by an 83–7 vote on Jan. 27, and it now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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