KentuckySB 732026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT relating to animal agriculture.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Limited farmers market food service option

A farmer who is a member of a market registered with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture may run a temporary food service there. You can operate up to two days per week during any consecutive six-month period each year. This creates a clear path to sell prepared or direct food services from approved Kentucky-grown sources.

Farm chemicals not treated as color additives

Some agricultural chemicals are not regulated as color additives when they change produce color only by affecting plant growth. This applies to pesticide chemicals, soil or plant nutrients, and similar farm chemicals, before or after harvest. The change narrows which substances count as color additives.

Safety, labels, and inspections for home goods

Every home-produced food or pork lard/tallow cosmetic must have a label with the operation’s name and address, product name, ingredients in order, net amount, the statement “This product is home-produced and processed” in 10-point type, and the date processed. If you keep containers clean and labeled and avoid adulteration or misbranding, you are exempt from certain state food statutes. Home-based processors cannot make or sell acid foods, acidified foods, formulated acid foods, or low-acid canned foods. The cabinet may inspect yearly, sample products after complaints or when misbranding/adulteration is found, and order production to stop if an imminent health hazard exists. Products listed in law that carry the required home-based label do not need acid testing.

Home-based makers: who qualifies and where to sell

The law lets people who make pork lard- or tallow-based cosmetics at home qualify as home-based processors if annual sales are $60,000 or less. Home-based processors must register with the state and list their name, production address, and products. The cabinet will issue rules that spell out which home-made foods or cosmetics qualify. Sales are limited to direct-to-consumer within Kentucky, including from your home (pickup or delivery), markets, roadside stands, community events, or online.

Simpler on-farm poultry sales, with safeguards

The state excludes some on-farm poultry slaughter and processing from federal inspection when you sell to end consumers on the farm, at farmers markets, or at roadside stands. An end consumer is the final buyer who does not resell. Poultry sold on-farm must be refrigerated and labeled under federal rules; poultry sold at markets or roadside stands must be frozen and labeled under those rules. Local governments cannot add extra certifications or inspections if you follow the state regulations.

Night rules and rights for dogs

Officers may seize or destroy dogs running at large between sunset and sunrise if they are not under control. Officers must check if the dog is a working livestock or hunting dog and may not destroy it unless it is actively harming animals or people. Working livestock and hunting dogs may be unrestrained while lawfully working or hunting on authorized property.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jason Howell
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Gary Boswell
Republican • Senate

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