Introduced
Passed Senate
Passed House
Became law
Last action · April 10, 2026
Signed By Governor (Acts Ch. 93)

Introduced January 7, 2026

Senate
Signed By Governor
2026 Regular Session

AN 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).

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Plain-language summary
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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

Jan 7, 2026 · Senate
Introduced In Senate
Jan 7, 2026 · Senate
To Committee On Committees (S)
Jan 20, 2026 · Senate
To Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor (S)
Jan 22, 2026 · Senate
Reported Favorably, 1st Reading, To Calendar
Jan 23, 2026 · Senate
2nd Reading, To Rules (clerical)
Jan 27, 2026 · Senate
Floor Amendments (1), (2) And (3) Filed (clerical)
Jan 30, 2026 · Senate
Floor Amendment (4) Filed (clerical)
Feb 9, 2026 · Senate
Floor Amendment (5) Filed (clerical)
Feb 20, 2026 · Senate
Passed 29-8 With Floor Amendment (6)
Yea: 29
Nay: 8
Absent: 1
LegiScan roll call
Mar 27, 2026 · House
3rd Reading, Passed 90-0 With Committee Substitute (1), Floor Amendments (1), (2) And (4) And Committee Amendment (1-Title)
Yea: 90
Nay: 0
Absent: 10
LegiScan roll call
Mar 31, 2026 · Senate
Passed 38-0
Yea: 38
Nay: 0
LegiScan roll call

Primary Sponsor

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Portrait of Gary Boswell

Gary Boswell

Senator · Senate District 08

Primary sponsor
gary.boswell@kylegislature.gov

Co-sponsors (16)

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Portrait of Jared Carpenter

Jared Carpenter

Senator · Senate District 34

Co-sponsor
Jared.Carpenter@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Matthew Deneen

Matthew Deneen

Senator · Senate District 10

Co-sponsor
matthew.deneen@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Donald Douglas

Donald Douglas

Senator · Senate District 22

Co-sponsor
Donald.Douglas@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Greg Elkins

Greg Elkins

Senator · Senate District 28

Co-sponsor
greg.elkins@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Rick Girdler

Rick Girdler

Senator · Senate District 15

Co-sponsor
Rick.Girdler@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Jimmy Higdon

Jimmy Higdon

Senator · Senate District 14

Co-sponsor
Jimmy.Higdon@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Jason Howell

Jason Howell

Senator · Senate District 01

Co-sponsor
Jason.Howell@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Stephen Meredith

Stephen Meredith

Senator · Senate District 05

Co-sponsor
Stephen.Meredith@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Robert Mills

Robert Mills

Senator · Senate District 04

Co-sponsor
Robby.Mills@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Matt Nunn

Matt Nunn

Senator · Senate District 17

Co-sponsor
matt.nunn@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Steve Rawlings

Steve Rawlings

Senator · Senate District 11

Co-sponsor
steve.rawlings@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Craig Richardson

Craig Richardson

Senator · Senate District 03

Co-sponsor
craig.richardson@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Lindsey Tichenor

Lindsey Tichenor

Senator · Senate District 06

Co-sponsor
lindsey.tichenor@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Steve West

Steve West

Senator · Senate District 27

Co-sponsor
Steve.West@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Phillip Wheeler

Phillip Wheeler

Senator · Senate District 31

Co-sponsor
Phillip.Wheeler@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Mike Wilson

Mike Wilson

Senator · Senate District 32

Co-sponsor
Mike.Wilson@kylegislature.gov

Bill Text Versions

Enacted: Acts chapter (final law)

Most current
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Enrolled (passed both chambers)

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Engrossed (passed one chamber)

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Introduced (original)

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