Introduced January 7, 2026
SB39
Log in to followAN ACT relating to fish and wildlife and declaring an emergency.
Amend KRS 150.170 to exempt a bona fide private landowner from any fishing restrictions imposed in KRS Chapter 150 or the administrative regulations promulgated thereunder relating to creel, possession, size, or method of take; allow a private landowner to extend the same rights and privileges relating to fishing in lakes or ponds located on the landowner's property to any person in written or electronic form; allow the stocking of certain largemouth bass in private lakes…
In effect since April 10, 2026
This act carries an emergency clause, so it took effect as soon as it became law instead of waiting the usual 90 days after the session adjourned (Ky. Constitution § 55).
Plain-language summary
This bill changes state fishing rules so that private landowners are no longer required to follow standard regulations about how many fish can be caught, what size fish can be kept, or how fish can be caught on their own lakes or ponds. Landowners can also stock certain fish like largemouth bass in their private water without restriction, as long as they do not introduce invasive species. They may share these same freedoms with guests…
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Legislative History
Primary Sponsor
Gary Boswell
Senator · Senate District 08
Co-sponsors (16)
Jared Carpenter
Senator · Senate District 34
Matthew Deneen
Senator · Senate District 10
Donald Douglas
Senator · Senate District 22
Greg Elkins
Senator · Senate District 28
Rick Girdler
Senator · Senate District 15
Jimmy Higdon
Senator · Senate District 14
Jason Howell
Senator · Senate District 01
Stephen Meredith
Senator · Senate District 05
Robert Mills
Senator · Senate District 04
Matt Nunn
Senator · Senate District 17
Steve Rawlings
Senator · Senate District 11
Craig Richardson
Senator · Senate District 03
Lindsey Tichenor
Senator · Senate District 06
Steve West
Senator · Senate District 27
Phillip Wheeler
Senator · Senate District 31
Mike Wilson
Senator · Senate District 32
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