KentuckySB 1552026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT relating to animal health emergencies and declaring an emergency.

Sponsored By: Jared Carpenter (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AgricultureAnimals, Livestock, And PoultryDiseasesFish And WildlifeGovernorLocal GovernmentPeace Officers And Law EnforcementPolice, StatePublic ProtectionSpecial DistrictsState AgenciesTransportationVeterinariansLocal Mandate

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Faster vet help and transport waivers

During an animal health emergency, the Commissioner can buy, rent, or contract for needed goods and services right away. Normal procurement rules do not apply when needed to stop disease or keep essential services running. The Commissioner can contract with licensed veterinarians and vet techs from Kentucky or other states. The Transportation Cabinet can issue permits and waive limits, including weight and driver rules, for feed and medicine. The Cabinet Secretary must not deny a request without good cause. The Commissioner can also request help from local, state, or federal agencies to protect health and keep services going.

New rules for animal disease outbreaks

The Agriculture Commissioner, after consulting the state veterinarian, can declare an animal health emergency in writing. During the emergency, the Commissioner may quarantine livestock, poultry, other domesticated animals, and equipment that can spread disease. The Commissioner may set roadblocks anywhere in Kentucky to stop transport of quarantined animals or gear, with help from police or game wardens. The law defines an animal health emergency as a major threat that can cause disease spread, starvation, deadly injury, or loss of life to domesticated animals. These powers are subject to any order of the Governor and take effect immediately.

No emergency limits on guns or worship

The law does not let emergency powers add new limits on lawful guns or ammunition. It also does not allow limits on free speech, press, petition, assembly, or the right to worship. These protections apply during a declared emergency.

Religious groups can sue for relief

A religious organization can sue a government entity for covered emergency‑protection violations. It does not have to finish any agency process first. The law waives sovereign, governmental, and qualified immunity for these claims. A court can grant orders, money damages for losses, and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Claims must be filed within two years of when the group knew or should have known. Against private people not acting for the government, only declaratory and injunctive relief are allowed.

What counts as a COVID-19 order

The law explains what counts as an official COVID-19 executive action. It includes orders and guidelines from the Governor, state or local agencies, the President, or federal agencies, and industry guidelines adopted by a state agency. Informal or vague statements and recommendations do not count. These actions do not create a duty of care.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jared Carpenter
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 169 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/25/2026

passed

Yes: 37 • No: 1

House vote • 3/24/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 94 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/12/2026