Introduced

Passed House

Passed Senate

Became law

Adjourned sine die. The bill was pending when the session ended, so it did not pass.

Last action · February 20, 2026

To Judiciary (H)

Introduced February 12, 2026

House

Adjourned Sine Die

2026 Regular Session

HB637

AN ACT relating to animal welfare.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 17 to define terms; require the Department of Kentucky State Police to develop and operate an animal abuse offender registry; require offenders to register for 2 years for a first offense and 5 years for subsequent offenses; require offenders to pay a $100 registration fee and $100 every year the offender is registered; establish that a violation of registration requirements and providing false information to the registry are…

Animals, Livestock, and Poultry Crimes and Punishments Criminal Procedure State Agencies Veterinarians Pets And Service Animals Corrections and Correctional Facilities, State Courts Crime Victims Jails and Jailers Police, State Probation and Parole Corrections Impact

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This bill would create an animal abuse offender registry run by the Kentucky State Police, similar to other offender registries. People convicted of animal abuse would be required to register for two years after a first offense or five years after repeat offenses, paying a $100 fee upfront and $100 each year they remain on the registry. The bill also requires certain state social services employees and veterinarians to report suspected animal abuse. Who it may affect: people convicted of animal abuse, veterinarians, Cabinet for Health and Family Services employees, and Kentucky animal owners.

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