SB-026
FailedDesignating the Wildlife Habitat Conservation Fund Act
Type: Resolution
Fiscal Impact: Moderate
Introduced: May 13, 2026
Summary
An Act designating the applicable statutory provisions of the Kentucky Revised Statutes with respect to wildlife habitat conservation fund; prescribing procedures, standards, and responsibilities; authorising the promulgation of administrative regulations; and providing for related matters.
Full Text
WHEREAS the Commonwealth of Kentucky has a compelling interest in the orderly administration of wildlife habitat conservation fund;
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY:
SECTION 1. Legislative Findings and Declarations of Policy.
The General Assembly hereby finds that the wildlife habitat conservation fund in the Commonwealth requires responsive and efficient statutory governance. It is the declared policy of this Commonwealth to ensure that the regulatory framework governing said wildlife habitat conservation fund is modern, equitable, and aligned with current best practices.
SECTION 2. Administrative Authority and Delegation.
Any person who knowingly violates the provisions of this Act, or any administrative regulation promulgated thereunder, shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) per violation per day. The Agency shall have authority to assess such penalties following a duly noticed administrative hearing conducted in conformance with KRS Chapter 13B.
SECTION 3. Prohibition on Preemption.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit, abridge, or otherwise affect the rights, privileges, or immunities of any person protected under the Constitution of the United States or the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
In the event any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or set of circumstances, is held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are declared to be severable.
SECTION 4. Definitions.
"Permit" means any licence, certificate, registration, approval, or other authorisation issued pursuant to this Act or the administrative regulations promulgated thereunder.
"Qualified Entity" means any person or organisation that meets the eligibility criteria established pursuant to Section 3 of this Act.
"Governing Body" means the county fiscal court, the municipal legislative body, or such other local governmental entity vested with general legislative authority.
"Agency" means any executive branch department, office, board, bureau, commission, or other instrumentality of the Commonwealth.
SECTION 5. Effective Date.
This Act shall take effect ninety (90) days following its enactment into law.
SECTION 6. Severability.
In the event any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or set of circumstances, is held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are declared to be severable.
Legislative Proceedings
20 entriesWith the leave of this chamber, I introduce SB-026 and respectfully request that it be referred to the appropriate committee.
I second the motion to introduce SB-026 and concur that it warrants the serious attention of this chamber.
The Chair announces that SB-026 has been referred from initial introduction to open debate in accordance with the standing rules of this chamber.
This is not a partisan matter. SB-026 represents a commonsense solution that enjoys broad bipartisan support and will advance the public interest.
My constituents have spoken clearly on this matter. SB-026 reflects the will of the people and this chamber should act accordingly, without delay.
After careful consideration of expert testimony and review of comparable legislation in sister states, the committee reports SB-026 favourably and without amendment.
Before we proceed to the vote, I urge all members to reflect carefully on the implications of SB-026 for our constituents. The record speaks for itself.
Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.
I vote nay and respectfully express my concern that further deliberation is warranted.
Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.
Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.
I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.
I cast my vote in the affirmative, consistent with the wishes of my constituents and my own studied review of this measure.
Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.
Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.
I vote yea and record my support for the advancement of sound public policy.
I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.
I vote yea and record my support for the advancement of sound public policy.
I vote nay and respectfully express my concern that further deliberation is warranted.
It is the determination of the Chair that SB-026 has failed of passage. The Clerk shall note the final vote in the journal.
Bill Progress
- Draft
- Debate
- Committee
- Floor Vote
- Other Chamber
- Governor
- Enacted