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Kentucky Passes Bill to Protect Workers from Disruptive Trespassers
Legislation expands criminal trespass laws to address disgruntled customers and former employees.
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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The Kentucky House has approved a bill that would expand the state's criminal trespass laws to enhance worker safety. The legislation, sponsored by Reps. Michael Meredith and Vanessa Grossl, would make it a criminal offense for individuals who engage in a pattern of disruptive or threatening behavior to knowingly enter or remain in a workplace after being notified against trespassing.
Why it matters
The bill aims to address concerns about disgruntled customers or former employees who may pose a threat to workplace safety. By clarifying and strengthening trespass laws, the legislation seeks to provide employers and workers with additional legal recourse against individuals who persistently disrupt business operations.
The details
Under the proposed law, a second or subsequent second-degree criminal trespass within three years would be considered a Class A misdemeanor, while a second or subsequent third-degree offense within that time would be a Class B misdemeanor. The bill also expands the definition of a 'building' in state statutes to include structures, vehicles, watercraft, and aircraft where people live or assemble for business, government, education, religion, entertainment, or public transportation.
- The Kentucky House approved the bill with an 83-7 vote on January 27, 2026.
- The bill now goes to the Kentucky Senate for consideration.
The players
Rep. Michael Meredith
A Republican state representative from Brownsville, Kentucky, and one of the sponsors of the trespass bill.
Rep. Vanessa Grossl
A Republican state representative from Georgetown, Kentucky, and one of the sponsors of the trespass bill.
What they’re saying
“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.”
— Rep. Michael Meredith, State Representative (Safety+Health Magazine)
What’s next
The bill will now be considered by the Kentucky Senate, where it will need to pass before being signed into law by the governor.
The takeaway
This legislation reflects growing concerns about workplace safety and the need to provide employers and workers with additional legal tools to address disruptive and threatening behavior from customers, clients, or former employees. If enacted, the law could serve as a model for other states looking to strengthen trespass laws to protect workers.
