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KentuckySB 282025 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT relating to agricultural economic development and declaring an emergency.

Sponsored By: Jason Howell (Republican)

Became Law

Economic DevelopmentEffective Dates, EmergencyLand UseAgricultureReports MandatedFiscal Note

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

State reviews agribusiness aid, protects applications

A new six-member Agricultural Economic Development Board oversees awards, with the agriculture commissioner as chair and three members needed for action. Appointed members serve two-year terms, limited to two consecutive terms, and the board meets at least quarterly. Award reviews consider creditworthiness, investment, expected tax receipts, community support, and likely economic success. The economic development cabinet must consult the agriculture commissioner on agricultural, agribusiness, and alternative-fuel incentives, including sustainable aviation fuels. It must share applicant names, project plans and locations, expected investment and jobs, and other information the commissioner requests. Application records are confidential; denied or unawarded applications under the agricultural fund or Kentucky's broader economic development law also remain private. Preliminarily approved projects appear on the department's website. Annual legislative reports begin November 1, 2025, and continue each November 1 until fund money is distributed and all agreements are completed. Reports identify projects, locations, investment, estimated economic impact, incentive types, funding sources, and payments.

New Kentucky agribusiness aid with limits

Effective immediately upon enactment, Kentucky provides grants, forgivable loans, and low-interest revolving loans for agricultural supply chains and alternative fuels. Projects need significant capital investment, positive local economic impact, and local-government support. New-to-Kentucky projects must identify a viable out-of-state site and certify they likely would locate outside Kentucky without aid; expansions must certify aid is necessary. Aid covers only costs after preliminary approval, with payments tied to investment milestones and final approval requiring documented compliance. The state must stop payments for ineligible projects and can recover aid for lost eligibility or broken agreements. Revolving loan forgiveness cannot exceed 50% of principal. Up to 20% of annual fund appropriations can support innovative or high-tech agricultural jobs tied to energy diversification, including sustainable aviation fuels. The revolving fund keeps repayments, interest, and unused balances; no total appropriation is stated. The existing Agricultural Development Board can also make or buy insured mortgages and other loans supporting approved incentives.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jason Howell

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Craig Richardson

    Republican • Senate

  • Robin L. Webb

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 272 • No: 21

Senate vote • 3/27/2025

passed

Yes: 32 • No: 6

House vote • 3/27/2025

passed

Yes: 81 • No: 10

Senate vote • 3/13/2025

passed

Yes: 30 • No: 5 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/13/2025

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 95 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/20/2025

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. delivered to Secretary of State (Acts Ch. 118)

    3/28/2025

  2. enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House

    3/28/2025Senate

  3. enrolled, signed by President of the Senate

    3/27/2025Senate

  4. received in Senate

    3/27/2025Senate

  5. passed 81-10

    3/27/2025House

  6. veto overridden

    3/27/2025House

  7. posted for consideration of Governor's veto

    3/27/2025

  8. taken from Rules

    3/27/2025House

  9. to Rules (H)

    3/27/2025House

  10. received in House

    3/27/2025House

  11. passed 32-6

    3/27/2025Senate

  12. veto overridden

    3/27/2025Senate

  13. posted for passage for consideration of Governor's veto

    3/27/2025

  14. to Rules (S)

    3/27/2025Senate

  15. received in Senate

    3/27/2025Senate

  16. Vetoed

    3/25/2025

  17. delivered to Governor

    3/13/2025

  18. enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House

    3/13/2025Senate

  19. enrolled, signed by President of the Senate

    3/13/2025Senate

  20. passed 38-0

    3/13/2025Senate

  21. Senate concurred in House Committee Substitute (1)

    3/13/2025Senate

  22. vote on bill reconsidered

    3/13/2025Senate

  23. passed 30-5 with House Committee Substitute (1) and House Floor Amendment (1)

    3/13/2025Senate

  24. Senate concurred in House Committee Substitute (1) and Floor Amendment (1)

    3/13/2025Senate

  25. posted for passage for concurrence in House Floor Amendment (1) and Committee Substitute (1)

    3/13/2025House

Bill Text

  • Current

    3/27/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    1/2/2025

    PDF

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