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HB 639

AN ACT relating to poultry.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Bray and 2 co-sponsors

Allows on-farm poultry slaughter and direct-to-consumer sales at farms, markets, or roadside stands under regulated handling, labeling, and freezing/refrigeration requirements to a

to Agriculture (H)
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Bill Summary · HB 639

Summary of HB 639 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

HB 639 proposes to clarify and expand regulatory flexibility for on-farm poultry slaughter and processing intended for sale directly to end consumers. The bill directs the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to adopt regulations authorizing on-farm slaughter/processing for products sold to end consumers at farm stands, farmers markets, or roadside stands, while imposing specific handling, labeling, and freezing requirements to align with federal standards.

Key provisions

  • Definitions

    • Defines “end consumer” as the last purchaser of a food product who does not resell it.

  • Regulatory authority and scope

    • The Secretary of the Kentucky Transportation? [Note: the bill references the secretary; in Kentucky agricultural context this is typically the Secretary of Agriculture] must promulgate administrative regulations under KRS Chapter 13A.
    • Regulations must address on-farm slaughter and processing of poultry for the purpose of selling under 9 C.F.R. § 381.10 to end consumers in three settings:
    • On-farm sales
    • Farmers markets
    • Roadside stands

  • Handling and labeling requirements at point of sale

    • On-farm sales: Poultry or poultry products processed under these regulations must be refrigerated at the point of sale and labeled in compliance with 9 C.F.R. § 381.10.
    • Farmers markets/roadside stands: Poultry or poultry products processed under these regulations must be frozen at the point of sale and labeled in compliance with 9 C.F.R. § 381.10.

  • Local inspections and certifications

    • Local governmental agencies may not require additional certification or inspection for poultry or poultry products produced by farmers who are in compliance with the regulations promulgated under this section.

Who is affected

  • Farmers and small poultry producers who slaughter and process poultry on-farm for direct-to-consumer sales.
  • End consumers purchasing poultry products at farms, farmers markets, or roadside stands.
  • Local health/inspection entities would be limited from imposing extra certification or inspection beyond the promulgated regulations for compliant producers.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Regulatory adoption timeline: The secretary is required to create administrative regulations under KRS Chapter 13A to implement the provisions of this section, but the bill does not specify exact deadlines within the text provided.
  • Action history: Introduced in the Kentucky House on February 12, 2026; referred to Agriculture (H); further action history shows a committee referral, with a potential for debate and passage in subsequent sessions.

Practical impact and considerations

  • Aims to provide a clearer, standardized framework for on-farm poultry processing for direct sale, potentially reducing barriers for small producers while maintaining food safety through federal labeling and handling standards.
  • The requirement to refrigerate (on-farm) or freeze (farmers markets/roadside stands) and label according to 9 C.F.R. § 381.10 seeks to ensure consumer safety and traceability.
  • Local agencies cannot impose additional inspections on compliant producers, which could reduce regulatory burdens for small farmers but may raise questions about consumer protections and oversight.

If you’d like, I can add a comparison to current Kentucky law or to the federal standards cited (9 C.F.R. § 381.10) for deeper context.

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

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