Introduced
Passed House
Passed Senate
Became law
Last action · April 3, 2026
Signed By Governor (Acts Ch. 24)

Introduced January 7, 2026

House
Signed By Governor
2026 Regular Session

AN ACT relating to on-farm animal health.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 257 to allow the determination and implementation of an on-farm animal health care or animal health production practice to be made solely by a farmer and his or her veterinarian.

In effect since July 15, 2026

Acts from the 2026 Regular Session that don't carry an emergency clause or set their own effective date took effect 90 days after the session adjourned (Ky. Constitution § 55).

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Plain-language summary
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This bill creates a new rule giving farmers and their veterinarians the sole authority to decide on animal health care and production practices on the farm. It limits outside parties from overriding those decisions. This applies to health and production choices made directly between a farmer and a licensed veterinarian. Who it may affect: farmers who raise livestock or poultry, and the veterinarians who work with them.

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Legislative History

Jan 7, 2026 · House
Introduced In House
Jan 7, 2026 · House
To Committee On Committees (H)
Jan 14, 2026 · House
To Agriculture (H)
Feb 18, 2026 · House
Reported Favorably, 1st Reading, To Calendar With Committee Substitute (1)
Feb 19, 2026 · House
2nd Reading, To Rules (clerical)
Feb 19, 2026 · House
Posted For Passage In The Regular Orders Of The Day For Friday, February 20 2026 (clerical)
Feb 20, 2026 · House
3rd Reading, Passed 94-0 With Committee Substitute (1)
Yea: 94
Nay: 0
Absent: 6
LegiScan roll call
Feb 23, 2026 · Senate
Received In Senate
Mar 25, 2026 · Senate
3rd Reading, Passed 38-0
Yea: 38
Nay: 0
LegiScan roll call

Primary Sponsor

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Portrait of Ryan Bivens

Ryan Bivens

Representative · House District 024

Primary sponsor
ryan.bivens@kylegislature.gov

Co-sponsors (6)

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Portrait of George Brown

George Brown

Representative · House District 077

Co-sponsor
George.Brown@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Beverly Chester-Burton

Beverly Chester-Burton

Representative · House District 044

Co-sponsor
beverly.chesterburton@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Daniel Elliott

Daniel Elliott

Representative · House District 054

Co-sponsor
Daniel.Elliott@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Daniel Fister

Daniel Fister

Representative · House District 056

Co-sponsor
Daniel.Fister@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Kim King

Kim King

Representative · House District 055

Co-sponsor
Kim.King@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Derek Lewis

Derek Lewis

Representative · House District 090

Co-sponsor
Derek.Lewis@kylegislature.gov

Bill Text Versions

Enacted: Acts chapter (final law)

Most current
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Engrossed (passed one chamber)

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Introduced (original)

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