KY HB749

Establishes the Office of Public Defense within the Kentucky Department of State Police, headed by the State Police Commissioner, to acquire and transfer machine guns to "qualified persons" (individuals eligible to possess firearms under state and federal law) for defense of the Commonwealth.

Authorizes the office to purchase and sell machine guns including AR-15/M16-platform, M249-type, and MP5-type weapons at all Kentucky State Police posts, with eligibility verified through background checks.

Requires a $250 surcharge on each machine gun sale plus an optional additional surcharge up to $50, with proceeds going to a newly created public defense fund; transfers between qualified persons require a $275 fee, though inheritance transfers are exempt.

Creates a certification system documenting each transfer with the state seal, including firearm make, model, and serial number; records containing personal information must be destroyed after 5 years except for the original certificate.

Provides immunity from civil and criminal liability for the state, office, and employees for any acts related to transferred machine guns, and requires persons who become prohibited from possessing firearms to return their machine guns within 7 days.