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Bill

HB 276

AN ACT relating to keeping chickens on residential property.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steven Doan and 2 co-sponsors

Kentucky HB 276 would legalize backyard chicken-keeping on residential properties, overriding current state and local prohibitions to enable small-scale home poultry production.

to Committee on Committees (S)
#agriculture #animals #livestock #andpoultry #chartercountygovernment #cities #consolidatedlocalgovernments #counties #urban #localgovernment #localmandate #unifiedlocalgovernments
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Bill Summary · HB 276

Legislative bill overview

HB 276 would amend Kentucky law to permit residents to keep chickens on residential properties, removing or modifying current restrictions that prohibit or severely limit backyard poultry keeping. The bill appears designed to allow homeowners greater flexibility in raising small numbers of chickens for eggs and other purposes on their own land.

Why is this important

Backyard chicken-keeping has become increasingly popular nationwide as a form of food self-sufficiency, and many states have legalized it. This bill could affect Kentucky homeowners' property rights, local food security, and zoning regulations across the state. The outcome may influence municipal ordinances and residents' ability to engage in small-scale agricultural activities in urban and suburban areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. state mandate: Cities and counties currently regulate or prohibit chickens within their jurisdictions; this bill may override local zoning authority, creating conflict between state and municipal governance
  • Nuisance concerns: Neighbors may object to noise, odors, predators, or disease risks associated with backyard flocks, raising quality-of-life and property value questions
  • Implementation details: The bill's specifics remain unclear—it doesn't specify flock size limits, coop requirements, distance from property lines, or enforcement mechanisms, leaving significant regulatory questions unanswered

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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