FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 20, 2025) — Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, has been honored with the 2025 Outstanding Legislative Service Award by the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police (KACP). The award recognizes his strong and consistent advocacy for public safety and his role in shaping policy that supports Kentucky’s law enforcement community.
This year’s legislative session, deemed one of the most impactful in recent memory by KACP, saw key public safety measures pass with broad support from the Senate Majority Caucus. Wise’s leadership, combined with the efforts of his colleagues, helped drive progress on long-standing priorities for law enforcement agencies across the state.
In accepting the award, Wise was quick to turn the spotlight toward Kentucky’s officers.
“I view this award as a testament to the courageous, selfless service of Kentucky’s law enforcement community,” Wise said. “It’s an honor to stand with the men and women who wear the badge and work each day to protect our families, neighborhoods, and values. With these heroes first and foremost in mind, I also want to recognize my fellow members of the Senate Majority Caucus who received this distinction. Sen. Jimmy Higdon co-chairs the Public Pension Oversight Board, where many policies that have helped secure local and state law enforcement pensions originated. My fellow Senate leadership member, Robby Mills, championed Senate Bill 10 during the 2025 Legislative Session. We are all united in our belief that public safety must remain a cornerstone of a government of, by, and for the people.”
Wise played a key role in advancing legislation supported by KACP and the Kentucky League of Cities, including
Senate Bill 10, enhancing health insurance benefits for retired law enforcement officers under the County Employees Retirement System,
House Bill 520, protecting sensitive law enforcement information from premature disclosure under Kentucky’s open records law,
House Bill 30, addressing fairness in retirement calculations by reforming pension spiking provisions, and
additional measures, such as HB 234, HB 369, and HB 437, improve funding for officer equipment, personnel policies, and professional certification standards.
“This year’s recipients were instrumental in championing legislation that supports our officers, protects our communities, and addresses the needs of law enforcement agencies across the commonwealth,” said Chief Shawn Butler (Ret.), KACP executive director. “Their leadership reflects a strong, ongoing commitment to public safety.”
The KACP Outstanding Legislative Service Award is given annually to legislators who play an instrumental role in supporting public safety policy and the law enforcement profession.
For more information about the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police and their legislative priorities, visit www.kypolicechiefs.org.
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Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, represents the 16th Senate District, including Adair, Allen, Metcalfe, Monroe, and Taylor Counties and eastern Warren County. He is the Senate Majority Floor Leader. As a member of Senate majority leadership, he serves on the Legislative Research Commission. Wise is a member of the Interim Joint Committees on Economic Development and Workforce Investment; Education; Families and Children; and Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology.
Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members, legislative committees, and additional resources.
Lawmakers returned to Frankfort in June to start the 2025 Interim. During this period, committees will meet to study policy issues, review implementation of recently passed legislation, and begin evaluating proposals for the 2026 Regular Session, which begins Tuesday, January. 6.
The full 2025 Interim Calendar is available here. A weekly schedule with meeting times, topics, and agendas can be viewed at legislature.ky.gov/LegislativeCalendar.
Live coverage of interim legislative meetings is available at KET.org/legislature and on the LRC YouTube channel.
You can follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on X, Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky. For additional member information and press releases, visit KYSenateRepublicans.com.
(Dustin R. Isaacs – Office of Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise)