KentuckySB 392026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT relating to fish and wildlife and declaring an emergency.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Tighter rules on stocking and imports

You must get a department permit before importing or transporting live fish or wildlife into Kentucky; fish permits last one year and wildlife permits are valid only for the listed dates. The Fish and Wildlife Commission sets the permit fees. No one may stock fish into public waters without a commissioner’s permit. Releasing F1 or Florida largemouth bass into public waters is banned, except the department may allow it only in lakes it owns. Breaking this bass ban can bring up to a $10,000 fine per offense, in addition to other fines.

Higher fines for wildlife violations

Fines increase for breaking certain fish and wildlife laws or related regulations. A first offense carries a $100 to $1,000 fine. A second offense carries $500 to $1,500. Any later offense is $2,000 per offense.

More freedom for private pond owners

If you own private land in Kentucky and live here, state fish limits on your private lake or pond do not apply to you. You can let others fish or take live fish if you give written or electronic permission that lists species and amounts and includes your address and phone; they must have a valid fishing license and carry the permission while transporting fish. State stocking rules do not apply on your private pond except for invasive species. You may stock F1 or Florida largemouth bass in your private pond. These pond privileges do not apply if your pond is in the 100‑year floodplain.

Landowners can remove damaging wildlife

Landowners, their spouses or dependent children, tenants, or a commissioner‑approved designee may kill or trap wildlife that is damaging their land or property. No hunting or trapping license is required and this applies outside open season. You must report the kill to a game warden within 24 hours. To move a carcass, you must contact the department for a disposal tag or other authorization.

Night hunting rules for predators

The Department must set rules for night beaver hunting within 90 days of the law’s effective date. People may take coyotes and bobcats at night using tools like night vision, thermal, or infrared gear, as allowed by those rules.

New rules for Fish and Wildlife Commission

The Commission has nine members, with no more than five from one party. The Governor appoints from five names sent by district sportspeople, and the Senate must confirm. Members may serve up to two full terms and can serve until a successor is confirmed, but not more than one year. The Commission now appoints the department’s commissioner, who must have 10 years of active hunting or fishing, have held hunting and fishing licenses for the last 10 years, and not have served on the Commission or in the General Assembly in the prior two years. Nominees must live in the district, be experienced in hunting, angling, trapping, or biology, and have held Kentucky hunting and fishing licenses for the last five years. Commissioners must take three hours of ethics training within a year and every year after, and may not put official department logos with the state seal on personal cars.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Gary Boswell
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Craig Richardson
Republican • Senate
Donald Douglas
Republican • Senate
David Meade
Republican • House
David W. Osborne
Republican • House
Greg Elkins
Republican • Senate
John Blanton
Republican • House
Jared Carpenter
Republican • Senate
Jim Gooch Jr.
Republican • House
Jimmy Higdon
Republican • Senate
Jason Howell
Republican • Senate
Lindsey Tichenor
Republican • Senate
Matthew Deneen
Republican • Senate
Matt Nunn
Republican • Senate
Nick Wilson
Republican • House
Phillip Wheeler
Republican • Senate
Rick Girdler
Republican • Senate
Robby Mills
Republican • Senate
Robin L. Webb
Republican • Senate
Michael Meredith
Republican • House
Steve Rawlings
Republican • Senate
Stephen West
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 157 • No: 8

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

passed

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 3/27/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 90 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/20/2026