FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Counties could abolish their constable offices under a bill that has cleared a House panel.
The House Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs approved the proposal Tuesday. It will now proceed to the full House for consideration.
The bill would amend the state's constitution to allow counties to eliminate their constable offices, which the constitution established in 1850.
Constables, who are elected, have the same law enforcement powers as sheriffs but lack the same training requirements.
A 2012 state report said constables are outdated. Supporters of this bill and previous legislation have cited examples of rogue constables taking their law enforcement powers too far.
The Kentucky Constable Association has opposed previous legislative efforts, pushing for more training instead.
