LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A bill designed to improve highway work zone safety in Kentucky moved one step closer to reality last week.
The state House of Representatives passed House Bill 664 in a 70-21 vote Friday. If it becomes law, it would create framework for the use of automated speed enforcement devices in highway zones.
Under the bill, an officer can issue a citation based on pictures from the device at the time of an offense if a driver is going more than 10 mph over the posted limit while at least one worker is present and an officer is stationed in or near a work zone in a marked vehicle.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet would be required to install signs notifying drivers about the devices, which will have flashing lights.
Violations in highway work zones that don't include any injuries would come with a $500 fine. Drivers have a choice to go to state traffic school or a county attorney-operated traffic safety program. If someone dies or is injured as a result of a driver violation, the fine would range from $500 to $10,000.
Money collected in fines from violations will be sent to KYTC's highway work zone safety fund, to be used to hire or pay for enhanced law enforcement of traffic laws within highway work zones, according to a news release.
Sponsored by Rep. John Blanton, R-Salyersville, HB 664 is called the Jared Lee Helton Act of 2025. Helton, a Magoffin County resident, was in one of these work zones when he was hit and killed by a vehicle.
Blanton said the bill is aimed at saving lives and protecting workers.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where it was assigned to a committee before going to the floor for a vote. If the Senate passes the bill, it would be sent to Gov. Andy Beshear's desk for his signature to become law.
To read the current version of HB 664, click here. To monitor its progress through the legislature, click here.
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