HB-027
FailedProhibiting the Water Quality Management Act
Type: Bill
Fiscal Impact: Minimal
Introduced: May 31, 2026
Summary
An Act prohibiting the applicable statutory provisions of the Kentucky Revised Statutes with respect to water quality management; prescribing procedures, standards, and responsibilities; authorising the promulgation of administrative regulations; and providing for related matters.
Full Text
WHEREAS fiscal prudence and governmental efficiency necessitate the revision of water quality management;
WHEREAS the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of this Commonwealth requires legislative action with respect to water quality management;
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 water quality management 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 water quality management is modern, equitable, and aligned with current best practices.
SECTION 2. Annual Review and Sunset Provision.
To the extent practicable and consistent with applicable civil rights laws, the Agency shall endeavour to ensure that the benefits and services authorised under this Act are administered in an equitable and nondiscriminatory manner across all regions and demographic groups within the Commonwealth.
The Agency shall submit to the Legislative Research Commission and to the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue a detailed annual report setting forth performance metrics, expenditure data, and programme outcomes no later than the first day of December following the close of each fiscal year.
SECTION 3. Rulemaking Authority.
This Act shall be interpreted and construed in a manner consistent with the legislative intent to promote fiscal responsibility, governmental efficiency, and the welfare of all citizens of the Commonwealth, and shall be liberally construed to effectuate its remedial purposes.
All state agencies and political subdivisions receiving funds appropriated pursuant to this Act are required to maintain adequate financial records, consistent with generally accepted governmental accounting standards, and shall provide access to such records upon written request by the Auditor of Public Accounts.
SECTION 4. Penalties for Noncompliance.
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.
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 5. Definitions.
"Regulated Activity" means any commercial, industrial, agricultural, or professional activity subject to oversight under the provisions of this Act.
"Agency" means any executive branch department, office, board, bureau, commission, or other instrumentality of the Commonwealth.
"Secretary" means the Secretary of the relevant Cabinet as designated in the Executive Branch reorganisation order.
SECTION 6. Effective Date.
This Act shall take effect ninety (90) days following its enactment into law.
SECTION 7. 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
51 entriesMr. President / Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents and in fulfilment of my legislative duties, I introduce HB-027.
I second the motion to introduce HB-027 and concur that it warrants the serious attention of this chamber.
The Chair announces that HB-027 has been referred from initial introduction to open debate in accordance with the standing rules of this chamber.
My constituents have spoken clearly on this matter. HB-027 reflects the will of the people and this chamber should act accordingly, without delay.
Mr. President / Mr. Speaker, the merits of HB-027 speak for themselves. This chamber would be well-served by swift and favourable action on this legislation.
This is not a partisan matter. HB-027 represents a commonsense solution that enjoys broad bipartisan support and will advance the public interest.
After careful consideration of expert testimony and review of comparable legislation in sister states, the committee reports HB-027 favourably and without amendment.
Before we proceed to the vote, I urge all members to reflect carefully on the implications of HB-027 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.
Yea. I commend the sponsoring member for bringing this matter before the chamber.
Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.
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 negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.
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 cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.
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.
I vote yea and record my support for the advancement of sound public policy.
Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.
Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.
I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.
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. 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 negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.
Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.
I cast my vote in the affirmative, consistent with the wishes of my constituents and my own studied review of this measure.
I vote nay and respectfully express my concern that further deliberation is warranted.
I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.
Yea. I commend the sponsoring member for bringing this matter before the chamber.
Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.
Yea. I commend the sponsoring member for bringing this matter before the chamber.
I cast my vote in the affirmative, consistent with the wishes of my constituents and my own studied review of this measure.
I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.
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 cast my vote in the affirmative, consistent with the wishes of my constituents and my own studied review of this measure.
I cast my vote in the affirmative, consistent with the wishes of my constituents and my own studied review of this measure.
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.
I vote nay and respectfully express my concern that further deliberation is warranted.
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.
I vote nay and respectfully express my concern that further deliberation is warranted.
Yea. I commend the sponsoring member for bringing this matter before the chamber.
Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.
It is the determination of the Chair that HB-027 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