A JOINT RESOLUTION directing the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to study the efficacy of planting mint along highways to mitigate motor vehicle collisions with wildlife.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Deanna Gordon

HJR 22 directs KYTC to study whether planting mint along highways could reduce wildlife-related crashes and assess feasibility, costs, and impacts.

to Transportation (H)

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Summary of HJR 22 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Intent and Purpose

HJR 22 is a joint resolution directing the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) to study whether planting mint along highways could reduce motor vehicle collisions with wildlife.

The bill frames the study as an evaluative inquiry into a potential, non-traditional landscaping approach to enhancing roadway safety.

Key Provisions and Requirements

Directs KYTC to conduct a formal assessment of the efficacy of mint plantings on state highway rights-of-way as a method to mitigate wildlife-related crashes.

The study is expected to consider:

The mechanism by which mint plantings could influence wildlife movement or driver behavior.
Potential safety benefits in reducing collisions with wildlife.
Practicality, feasibility, and cost implications of implementing mint landscaping at scale along highways.
Environmental, maintenance, and operational considerations (e.g., growth patterns, invasiveness, irrigation, mowing, and mowing schedules).
Any impacts on highway workers, emergency response, and roadside operations.

The resolution may require the KYTC to gather data, consult stakeholders (e.g., wildlife agencies, highway contractors, local governments), and produce findings and recommendations.

Affected Parties

Primary: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) responsible for carrying out the study.

Indirectly affected: Drivers, wildlife agencies, local communities along state highways, and highway maintenance personnel who would be involved in any planting or maintenance activities.

If pursued further, potential effects on landscaping contracts, maintenance budgets, and procedural guidelines for right-of-way vegetation management.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Introduced in the House (January 12, 2026) and referred to the Committee on Committees (H) on the same day, with action history indicating referral to Transportation Committee as of January 20, 2026.

As a joint resolution, this bill would ostensibly require action by the KYTC to undertake the study; it does not authorize new spending by itself but could lead to future appropriations or budget adjustments if the study yields recommended actions.

The measure outlines a mandate to study rather than immediate regulatory or funding changes, leaving implementation details to subsequent legislative or administrative decisions based on the study results.

Potential Impact

If the study finds mint planting is ineffective or impractical, no changes would be pursued.

If the study identifies measurable safety benefits, it could prompt pilot programs, landscaping guidelines, or broader right-of-way vegetation strategies to reduce wildlife collisions.

Any rollout would involve cost considerations for planting, maintenance, and evaluating long-term ecological impacts, as well as coordination with local jurisdictions and road maintenance crews.

Notes

The bill provides a structured opportunity to evaluate a novel, low-cost vegetation strategy as part of highway safety initiatives.

Details on study scope, methodologies, and reporting requirements would likely be determined by the KYTC in coordination with the Legislature if the resolution progresses.