KentuckySB 732026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT relating to animal agriculture.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New rules for home-based food sellers

The law sets a path for small home-based producers (up to $60,000 a year) to sell directly to consumers. You must register with the Cabinet, list your products and address, and use labels that show your name and address, ingredients by weight, net amount, the processing date, and “This product is home-produced and processed” in 10‑point type. Unlabeled items are misbranded; the Cabinet can inspect once a year, sample after complaints or suspected problems, and stop production for an imminent health hazard. You may sell only to Kentucky consumers by pickup, delivery, farmers markets, roadside stands, community events, or online to in‑state buyers. You are exempt from some state rules when jars are clean and labeled, products are not adulterated or misbranded, and glass jars for jams and similar have rigid metal lids; labeled home items do not need acid testing. You cannot sell low‑acid or acidified canned foods; the Cabinet will define which products qualify, and breads with fruits or vegetables still count as bread.

Simpler on-farm poultry sales, with rules

The law creates an exclusion path for farms that slaughter or process poultry on the farm and sell to end consumers at the farm, a farmers market, or a roadside stand, under 9 C.F.R. 381.10. On‑farm sales must be refrigerated and labeled as federal rules require. Sales at farmers markets and roadside stands must be frozen and labeled the same way. If you follow these state rules, local governments cannot require extra inspections or certificates.

Stray horse claims, costs, and timelines

The county judge/executive must hire a vet to record a stray horse’s ID marks, scan for a microchip, and keep paper and electronic records. The State Veterinarian posts front and side photos online, and the taker‑up must post the county certificate at the sheriff’s office. The 15‑day holding period starts only after all papers are filed and posted. If the owner is found, the owner must repay the county for the vet’s assessment and pay the taker‑up the actual itemized costs to reclaim the animal or its value. Court cases over ownership, value, or liens pause the holding period, and a taker‑up cannot sterilize the animal until the period ends and ownership vests. Counties may contract with 501(c)(3) groups to help, the judge/executive has legal immunity for discretionary acts, and the stray certificate must be delivered and recorded promptly.

Officers can seize loose dogs at night

Peace officers and animal control officers can seize or destroy a dog found running loose between sunset and sunrise. This applies only when the dog is unaccompanied and not under an owner’s control.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jason Howell
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Gary Boswell
Republican • Senate
Myron Dossett
Republican • House
Mitch Whitaker
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 165 • No: 3

Senate vote • 3/26/2026

passed

Yes: 35 • No: 3

House vote • 3/24/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 92 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/5/2026