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HB 679

AN ACT relating to tourism and declaring an emergency.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Blanton and 3 co-sponsors

HB 679 aims to accelerate Kentucky tourism through emergency powers to streamline funding, approvals, and programs for rapid tourism-related relief or development.

to Tourism & Outdoor Recreation (H)
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Bill Summary · HB 679

Summary of HB 679 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and Intent

  • HB 679 is an act related to tourism with an explicit declaration of emergency. The bill appears to address measures intended to support or accelerate tourism-related development or activities while responding to an urgent or emergent situation impacting tourism within Kentucky.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • While the full text is not provided here, the designation “AN ACT relating to tourism and declaring an emergency” indicates:
    • Provisions aimed at promoting, supporting, or expanding tourism activities, attractions, infrastructure, or marketing efforts in Kentucky.
    • An emergency declaration associated with the tourism provisions, which typically allows for expedited procedures, temporary programs, or accelerated funding/authorities to respond to a tourism-related emergency or urgent need.
  • Possible areas of impact (typical for tourism-focused emergency acts) may include:
    • Allocation or authorization of funds for tourism marketing, events, or infrastructure improvements.
    • Temporary waivers or streamlined permitting processes to facilitate tourism projects or events.
    • Short-term regulatory changes to support tourism businesses (hotels, attractions, events) during the emergency period.
    • Measures to coordinate among state agencies, tourism boards, and regional partners for rapid deployment of resources.

Note: The exact statutory text and specific dollar amounts, timelines, and targeted programs are not provided in the summary available. The bill’s label suggests emphasis on emergency powers or authorities to bolster tourism in a time-sensitive context.

Who Would be Affected

  • State agencies responsible for tourism, economic development, and emergency management.
  • Kentucky tourism providers, including hotels, attractions, events, and related businesses.
  • Local governments and regional tourism organizations that implement or benefit from state-supported tourism initiatives.
  • General public and visitors who participate in or are affected by tourism initiatives and any emergency measures.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Action history indicates:
    • February 19, 2026: Introduced in the Kentucky House of Representatives.
    • February 19, 2026: Referred to the Committee on Committees (a procedural step often serving as a routing or oversight stage).
    • February 26, 2026: Referred to the Tourism & Outdoor Recreation Committee (H), suggesting initial alignment with tourism-focused examination.
  • The presence of an emergency declaration typically implies:
    • Temporary or expedited authorities that may be in place for a defined period.
    • Possible reporting, sunset provisions, or renewal requirements to extend emergency-related provisions beyond an initial period.
  • As the bill proceeds, it would undergo committee hearings, potential amendments, floor votes, and eventual motions for passage or further negotiation with the Senate.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • If enacted, the bill could enable faster deployment of resources to support tourism during an urgent situation (e.g., natural disaster recovery, major tourism events, or market shocks).
  • The emergency aspect may provide interim powers or funding, but typically must balance with accountability, eligibility criteria, and sunset or renewal conditions.
  • Stakeholders should monitor for:
    • Specific funding authorizations or appropriations.
    • Definitions of what constitutes an “emergency” for tourism purposes.
    • Scope of allowed activities and any regulatory or environmental considerations.
    • Oversight, reporting requirements, and how long emergency authorities remain in effect.

If you can provide the bill’s text or a detailed summary from the committee, I can tighten this with precise provisions, dollar amounts, deadlines, and affected programs.

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

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