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Bill Summary · HB 436

Bill Overview

  • Bill: HB 436
  • Session / Jurisdiction: 2026 Regular Session, Kentucky (Kentucky General Assembly)
  • Short Title: AN ACT relating to state parks
  • Status: Enacted into law (Governor signed; Acts Ch. 41, 2026-04-07)

Purpose and Intent

HB 436 is intended to address state parks in Kentucky through legislative changes. The bill’s primary aim is to modify existing statutes or create new provisions governing state parks, including management, funding, operations, or related governance. The act has completed the standard legislative process and was signed into law, indicating it represents the adopted policy position of the Legislature and Governor for the 2026 session.

Key Provisions and Changes (What the Bill Would Do)

Note: The summary below reflects typical statutory focus areas for a bill titled “relating to state parks.” Specific statutory text would detail exact changes; the following highlights are inferred from the act’s nature and process. For precise language, consult the enrolled bill text or Chapter 41 of 2026 Acts.

  • Management and Governance of State Parks:

    • Potential adjustments to the Kentucky State Parks system’s organizational structure (e.g., authority of the Department of Parks or related agencies), including streamlined decision-making or clarified oversight roles.
    • Clarification of responsibilities between state agencies and any governing boards or commissions related to state parks.

  • Funding and Fiscal Provisions:

    • Possible changes to funding sources for state parks (e.g., general fund allocations, dedicated park fees, or revenue streams from park operations).
    • Authorization of appropriations or budgetary mechanisms to support park maintenance, capital projects, or staffing.

  • Operational Authority:

    • Revisions to park operations, including concession contracts, fee schedules, permitted uses, and rules governing park amenities (campgrounds, trails, facilities, and event hosting).
    • Provisions affecting park safety, maintenance standards, and capital improvement timelines.

  • Public Access and Use:

    • Provisions to balance public access with resource protection, potentially addressing access to sensitive natural areas, wilderness areas, or cultural/historic sites within state parks.

  • Compliance and Reporting:

    • Requirements for reporting to the Legislature or the Governor on park performance, attendance, revenue, or project progress.
    • Auditing, transparency measures, or accountability provisions related to park operations and funding.

Who is Affected

  • State Parks System: Directly governs operations, funding, and governance of Kentucky state parks.
  • State Agencies: Potential involvement by the Kentucky Department of Parks (and related departments) in implementing changes.
  • Taxpayers and Park Users: Indirect impact through changes in park fees, access policies, facilities, and services.
  • Local Communities: Areas hosting state parks may experience altered funding priorities, maintenance schedules, or event capabilities.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduction and First Readings:
    • Introduced in House on 2026-01-20; referred to Committees (House Committee on Committees, and then to Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection in the Senate progression).
  • House Action:
    • Passed House readings in March 2026; 3rd reading on 2026-03-25, with a favorable vote (38-0) indicating broad bipartisan support.
  • Senate Action:
    • Received in Senate on 2026-02-13; progressed through Senate committees and readings, culminating in a 3rd reading passed 94-0 on 2026-02-12, demonstrating strong cross-chamber backing.
  • Enactment:
    • Enrolled and signed by both House Speaker and Senate President on 2026-03-26; delivered to Governor.
    • Signed into law on 2026-04-07; Acts Chapter 41.

Practical Implications

  • The law becomes a framework guiding the operation, funding, and governance of Kentucky state parks.
  • The act may enable new capital projects, adjust fee structures, or streamline park management.
  • Public and local stakeholder input may be affected by any new reporting requirements or governance changes.

If you’d like, I can pull the exact statutory language from HB 436 to provide a section-by-section mapping of changes and cite specific section numbers, dollar amounts, or timelines as stated in the enrolled bill.

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

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