KentuckyHB 5062026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT relating to the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Better pay and training for game wardens

The department must keep a competitive pay plan for sworn law‑enforcement staff. The Personnel Cabinet puts the plan in place and keeps these employees under state personnel rules. Game wardens are in the state law‑enforcement program and receive an annual training stipend like the police‑officer supplement. This supports recruitment and retention.

New leadership and hiring rules at Fish and Wildlife

The Fish and Wildlife Commission appoints and can remove the department commissioner. The commissioner serves under a personal contract up to four years that is reviewed by the Government Contract Review Committee. The commissioner is the sole appointing authority, oversees all work, enforces wildlife laws, and files an annual receipts-and-spending report with the Secretary of State. When grants pay salaries, the commissioner may hire time‑limited staff with commission approval. Grant‑funded staff do not count against permanent employee caps.

Wildlife fund kept separate and protected

Money from license sales and other wildlife sources goes to the State Treasurer and into the game and fish fund. The department keeps the money in separate restricted accounts and follows generally accepted accounting rules. The fund may be used only for wildlife protection and other Chapter 150 purposes, not for other uses.

At least $25,000 for hunger relief

By August 1 each year, the department sets aside at least $25,000 from the game and fish fund for hunger relief linked to wildlife work. This is in addition to money from KRS 186.050(15). The department keeps separate accounting and reports spending by October 1 to the Governor and the Legislative Research Commission.

Optional $2 add-on with licenses

When you buy a license, you can choose a $2 voluntary contribution for Becoming an Outdoors‑Woman or similar programs. The $2 is added only if you opt in. The money goes to a restricted account in the game and fish fund.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

David Hale
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Bill Wesley
Republican • House
Chris Fugate
Republican • House
Daniel Fister
Republican • House
John Blanton
Republican • House
Kevin Jackson
Republican • House
Mark Hart
Republican • House
William Lawrence
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 131 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 3/12/2026