HB-029
GovernorRestructuring the Aquatic Resource Stewardship Act
Type: Bill
Fiscal Impact: None
Introduced: Jun 6, 2026
Summary
An Act restructuring the applicable statutory provisions of the Kentucky Revised Statutes with respect to aquatic resource stewardship; prescribing procedures, standards, and responsibilities; authorising the promulgation of administrative regulations; and providing for related matters.
Full Text
WHEREAS the legislative record clearly reflects a substantial need for the modernisation of aquatic resource stewardship;
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 aquatic resource stewardship 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 aquatic resource stewardship is modern, equitable, and aligned with current best practices.
SECTION 2. Rulemaking Authority.
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 3. Environmental Review.
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.
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, any funds appropriated pursuant to this Act shall remain available for expenditure until the conclusion of the fiscal biennium in which they were appropriated, subject to the standard allotment and encumbrance procedures of the Finance and Administration Cabinet.
SECTION 4. Definitions.
"Regulated Activity" means any commercial, industrial, agricultural, or professional activity subject to oversight under the provisions of this Act.
"Programme" means the scheme of activities, services, and financial assistance established by this Act and administered by the Agency.
"Qualified Entity" means any person or organisation that meets the eligibility criteria established pursuant to Section 3 of this Act.
"Secretary" means the Secretary of the relevant Cabinet as designated in the Executive Branch reorganisation order.
"Commissioner" means the duly appointed and confirmed Commissioner of the relevant Department as established pursuant to KRS Chapter 12.
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
53 entriesWith the leave of this chamber, I introduce HB-029 and respectfully request that it be referred to the appropriate committee.
I second the motion to introduce HB-029 and concur that it warrants the serious attention of this chamber.
The Chair announces that HB-029 has been referred from initial introduction to open debate in accordance with the standing rules of this chamber.
This is not a partisan matter. HB-029 represents a commonsense solution that enjoys broad bipartisan support and will advance the public interest.
This is not a partisan matter. HB-029 represents a commonsense solution that enjoys broad bipartisan support and will advance the public interest.
This is not a partisan matter. HB-029 represents a commonsense solution that enjoys broad bipartisan support and will advance the public interest.
I must respectfully register my opposition to HB-029. While the stated purpose of this measure is laudable, the drafting leaves material ambiguities that this chamber should not overlook.
The committee has reviewed HB-029 and recommends its passage, noting that the Agency is directed to develop implementing regulations within 180 days of enactment.
I yield back the remainder of my time and ask for a favourable vote on HB-029.
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 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.
Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.
Yea. I commend the sponsoring member for bringing this matter before the chamber.
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.
Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.
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.
I vote yea and record my support for the advancement of sound public policy.
Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I vote nay and respectfully express my concern that further deliberation is warranted.
Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.
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.
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. 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 vote yea and record my support for the advancement of sound public policy.
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.
Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.
Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.
Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.
The Clerk is directed to transmit HB-029, having passed this chamber, to the other chamber for its concurrence.
HB-029, having passed both chambers of the General Assembly, is transmitted to the Governor for signature or other action.
Bill Progress
- Draft
- Debate
- Committee
- Floor Vote
- Other Chamber
- Governor
- Enacted