Kentucky Bill Targets Machine Gun Conversion Devices

Legislation would make possession of such devices a felony, advancing to full House vote.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A bill that would make it a felony under Kentucky law to possess machine gun conversion devices advanced out of committee on Tuesday, moving one step closer to a full House vote. The legislation, sponsored by House Majority Whip Jason Nemes, would establish a class C felony charge for knowingly possessing devices that convert conventional firearms into machine guns, bringing state law in line with existing federal statute.

Why it matters

The bill is aimed at giving Kentucky law enforcement a critical tool to address the issue of machine gun conversion devices, which can make standard firearms capable of firing more than one round per trigger pull without manually reloading. Without a state law, police have often been forced to return such devices if federal authorities decline to take over a case.

The details

The House Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee approved House Bill 299, which would target the parts or combinations of parts used to give standard firearms the capability of a machine gun. Louisville Metro Chief of Police Paul Humphrey testified in support, arguing the measure would allow police to act against individuals suspected of violent crime without having to depend on federal intervention. However, some committee members raised constitutional objections and questioned whether the bill would have a meaningful impact, with Rep. T.J. Roberts noting potential workarounds like forced reset triggers.

  • The House Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee approved the bill on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Jason Nemes

House Majority Whip who sponsored House Bill 299.

Paul Humphrey

Louisville Metro Chief of Police who testified in support of the bill.

T.J. Roberts

Republican state representative who raised concerns about the bill's effectiveness.

Myron Dossett

Republican state representative who spoke in favor of the bill, expressing support for law enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“This bill before you couldn't be any simpler. All it does is mirror the federal law with respect to these machine gun conversion devices.”

— Jason Nemes, House Majority Whip (marshallcountydaily.com)

“Right now, we would turn that weapon right back over if the federal government was not willing to step in.”

— Paul Humphrey, Louisville Metro Chief of Police (marshallcountydaily.com)

“If we take these off the street, criminals will just switch to those devices. I am not sure if this law has any real benefit.”

— T.J. Roberts, Republican state representative (marshallcountydaily.com)

What’s next

The bill now heads to the full Kentucky House of Representatives for consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the ongoing debate over gun control measures, with proponents arguing it will give law enforcement a needed tool to address machine gun conversion devices, while critics question its practical impact and potential constitutional issues. The bill's fate in the full House will be closely watched.