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HB 742

AN ACT relating to tourism.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kim King and 1 co-sponsor

HB 742 aims to improve Kentucky tourism through funding, promotion, and infrastructure support for local destinations and outdoor recreation.

to Tourism & Outdoor Recreation (H)
#tourism
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 742

Overview

HB 742 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky) is a bill titled “AN ACT relating to tourism.” It appears to be aimed at changes or enhancements to Kentucky’s tourism framework, though the available information is limited to its introductory steps and committee referrals. The bill’s action history shows a placement in the Tourism & Outdoor Recreation Committee (H) and an initial introduction in the Kentucky House of Representatives.

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill is framed as legislation relating to tourism in Kentucky. Based on typical scope for such bills, it is likely intended to support, regulate, fund, or promote tourism activities, destination development, or related outdoor recreation initiatives. However, the exact purpose statement and objectives are not provided in the summary alone.

Key Provisions and Changes (as contextually expected)

Note: The specific text of HB 742 is not included here. The following are common categories such bills address and would need to be confirmed by the bill’s actual language:
- Funding and Financial Mechanisms
- Creation or allocation of state funds for tourism promotion, infrastructure, or marketing campaigns.
- Grant programs or incentives for local tourism projects, attractions, or events.
- Tourism Promotion and Marketing
- Establishment or expansion of state tourism marketing campaigns, branding, and visitor information services.
- Support for regional tourism initiatives and collaboration with local governments or private partners.
- Outdoor Recreation and Destinations
- Enhancement of outdoor recreation facilities, parks, trails, and natural amenities.
- Streamlining permitting or access for outdoor activities to attract visitors.
- Governance and Administration
- Designation of a department, board, or agency role in directing tourism efforts.
- Reporting requirements and performance metrics to evaluate impact.
- Economic and Community Impacts
- Provisions to maximize tourism-related job creation, economic development, and tax revenue.
- Measures to address equitable access to tourism opportunities and benefits for rural communities.

Because the exact provisions are not provided, readers should consult the bill text for precise amendments, sections, and fiscal notes.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • State agencies involved in tourism, outdoor recreation, and economic development.
  • Local governments and tourism entities (convention centers, chambers of commerce, regional tourism boards).
  • Tourism-related businesses (hotels, restaurants, attractions) and potential beneficiaries of grants or promotional programs.
  • Outdoor recreation infrastructure and programs (parks, trails, visitor centers, natural areas).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction: February 25, 2026.
  • Referral: House Committee on Committees (H) on the day of introduction.
  • Primary committee action: Tourism & Outdoor Recreation (H) as of March 4, 2026.
  • Next steps typically include hearings, possible amendments, voting in the House, movement to the Senate, and potential conference committee steps if passes both chambers. Fiscal notes and impact statements may accompany amendments.

Additional Notes

  • The available summary does not include the bill’s exact text, fiscal impact, or estimated effectiveness.
  • For a complete understanding, review the bill’s full language, fiscal notes, and any amendments adopted during committee and floor consideration.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison once the full text and fiscal impact are available, or monitor updates as the bill progresses through committee hearings and floor votes.

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

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