House
In Committee
2026 Regular Session
HB397
Log in to followAN ACT relating to trophy catfish.
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 150 to define terms; require that any permit issued to take a lower Ohio River trophy catfish shall expire on May 31, 2027; prohibit the issuance or reissuance of an any lower Ohio River trophy catfish permits after that date; after the effective date of the Act, prohibit the transfer or reissuance of any lower Ohio River trophy catfish permit; prohibit the transportation of live trophy catfish except by boat while in the course of legally fishing; amend KRS 150.990 to make a violation of the prohibition on transporting live trophy catfish a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class D felony for each subsequent offense.
Corrections ImpactBoats and BoatingCrimes and PunishmentsFish and WildlifeHunting and FishingWaterways and Dams
Introduced: January 15, 2026
Last action: April 15, 2026
Recommitted To Appropriations & Revenue (H)
Legislative History
Jan 15, 2026 · House
Introduced In House
Jan 15, 2026 · House
To Committee On Committees (H)
Jan 23, 2026 · House
To Natural Resources & Energy (H)
Feb 5, 2026 · House
Reported Favorably, 1st Reading, To Calendar With Committee Substitute (1)
Feb 6, 2026 · House
2nd Reading, To Rules (clerical)
Feb 10, 2026 · House
Floor Amendment (1) Filed To Committee Substitute (clerical)
Apr 15, 2026 · House
Recommitted To Appropriations & Revenue (H) (clerical)
Primary Sponsor
DJ.Johnson@kylegislature.gov
Co-sponsors (3)
kim.banta@kylegislature.gov
vanessa.grossl@kylegislature.gov
matt.lehman@kylegislature.gov
