House committee advances bill allowing campaign funds to cover security costs, removes $15,000 cap

State Rep. Wade Williams (4th District, Hopkins County) told the House Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee that House Bill 136, as amended by a committee substitute, would permit reasonable security costs to be paid from campaign funds and removes a $15,000 cap that had been added in the Senate. "So it just removes the $15,000 cap. That's what it does," Williams said during the committee's Feb. 13 meeting.

Williams framed the measure as a modernization of campaign finance rules aimed at protecting candidates, officeholders, their families and campaign staff amid what he described as an increase in threats and dangerous language on social media. He said the bill applies to campaign funds, not state dollars, and that "the new language in the bill matches the federal guidance." He cited recent acts of political violence nationally as part of the background for the change.

A committee member asked whether there have been security issues affecting Kentucky candidates or incumbents; Williams said lawmakers have seen threats and cited social-media-driven danger. The committee briefly discussed privacy and safety concerns but did not record extended debate or amendments beyond the substitute that removes the cap.

Chair Johnson called a roll-call vote after discussion; the secretary recorded 15 yes votes and 0 no votes. The committee gave HB 136 a favorable recommendation and the measure will move forward in the legislative process.

The bill's sponsor and committee members did not identify specific incidents in Kentucky by name during the hearing. The committee did not take up any separate appropriations; Williams emphasized again that the change would authorize the use of campaign funds rather than public funds.

The committee adjourned after the vote. No further action on the bill was recorded in the committee meeting transcript.