The bill would classify possession of a machine gun conversion device as a felony under state law.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Local and federal law enforcement agencies in Kentucky are backing a House bill aimed at restricting the possession and use of switch attachments for firearms.
The proposal follows the filing of House Bill 299 by Rep. Jason Nemes, R-Louisville. The bill would make possessing a machine gun conversion device a felony under Kentucky law.
“I filed HB 299 so local law enforcement can enforce the law that prohibits the alteration of a handgun, making a semi-automatic weapon into an automatic weapon,” Nemes said in a statement. “These ‘Glock switches’ are dangerous and becoming more and more prevalent.”
These switch attachments are widely referred to as “Glock switches,” though Glock neither manufactures nor participates in producing the devices.
The attachments can quickly convert semi-automatic handguns into machine guns.
ATF Special Agent in Charge for Louisville’s division John Nokes said many of the devices are 3D-printed and sold online. Printers capable of producing them can cost as little as $200, and the switches themselves often sell for around $50.
Nokes explained that federal law classifies the device itself as a machine gun. Once attached to a pistol — whether a Glock or another semi-automatic firearm — the weapon is legally considered a machine gun as well.
With these attachments, a standard handgun can discharge up to 17 rounds in 1.03 seconds and as many as 30 rounds in 1.8 seconds.
Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey described the conversion devices as extremely dangerous, saying they reduce accuracy and surpass the capabilities of weapons typically used by law enforcement.
“The amount of rounds that these devices allow people to shoot is absolutely unconscionable,” Humphrey said.
Federal law prohibits the possession or ownership of any machine gun manufactured after May 19, 1986, making it a federal felony.
Kentucky remains one of only two states without a specific state law restricting machine gun conversion devices.
Nokes reported that federal agents seized 492 switches in Kentucky in 2025, while local authorities seized 110.
Humphrey said that without a state statute, local officers have limited ability to address the devices.
Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. noted that local and state police cannot legally confiscate firearms equipped with switch attachments unless another crime is involved.
“Police officers have no authority to seize that weapon if there’s no other crime associated with that,” Burnett said. “Without the additional cause, the officer would have to let the firearm go.”
Nokes added that federal agents lack the manpower to routinely assist local departments in seizing switches or modified firearms people may be carrying.
Last year, Kentucky recorded the second-highest number of federally seized switches nationwide.
Some lawmakers oppose adding state-level restrictions. Rep. TJ Roberts, R-Burlington, argued that the bill would infringe on Second Amendment rights.
“I think our energy is better spent actually expanding this right to self-defense rather than further imposing restrictions that are already illegal at the federal level,” Roberts said.
Kentucky voters have traditionally supported strong gun rights, frequently opposing policies such as permit-to-purchase requirements, expanded background checks and other gun control measures adopted in some states.
State law does not require firearm registration, though both state and federal laws bar felons and certain domestic violence offenders from possessing guns.
Kentucky also does not mandate universal background checks at the state level for all firearm sales.
Humphrey acknowledged that enforcing restrictions on switch attachments is more challenging because Kentucky allows open carry and maintains fewer gun regulations than many other states.
When asked whether additional gun laws should be introduced, Humphrey said law enforcement is prioritizing measures that have the strongest legislative support.
“We have had interactions with state legislators, and this is something we have some momentum behind, and we’re going to take advantage of that while we can,” Humphrey said.
House Bill 299 is scheduled for a committee hearing next week. Nemes said he hopes lawmakers will vote on the measure within the coming weeks.
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