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Bill Summary · HB 267

Overview

HB 267 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky) proposes establishing a formal sponsorship program for welcome centers and rest areas along the highway system. Under the bill, private entities can sponsor these facilities in exchange for acknowledgement signs, with funds and resources directed to maintenance and upkeep. The measure sets standards for sponsorship agreements, signs, and compliance with applicable laws.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a framework for private sponsorship of Kentucky welcome centers and rest areas.
  • Channel sponsorship contributions toward maintenance and upkeep of the facilities.
  • Allow sponsors to place acknowledgment signs that identify their support, while limiting commercial and political influences on the sites.

Key Provisions

  • definitional framework

    • Acknowledgment sign: an official sign meeting MUTCD design/placement guidelines, located in the right-of-way, intended to inform travelers that a private entity sponsored a highway-related service, product, or contribution.
    • Sponsorship agreement: a contract between Kentucky’s cabinet (presumably the transportation department) and a private entity for services, products, or monetary contributions.

  • Sponsorship authorization and use

    • The cabinet may establish sponsorship agreements for welcome centers and rest areas.
    • In-kind or monetary contributions must be used for maintenance and upkeep of the sponsored site.

  • Restrictions on sponsors and offerings

    • Sponsors may not provide or offer commercial services or products to the public at the sponsored sites if offerings would be available at prices below prevailing market rates on interstates or state highways.
    • Acknowledgment signs may be installed at welcome centers/rest areas and along nearby rights-of-way.

  • Signage and design standards

    • Acknowledgment signs must identify the sponsor with name and logo.
    • Signs must not promote alcohol, tobacco, adult-oriented establishments, political candidacies/issues, or political campaign advertising.
    • Signs must not resemble official traffic control devices and must comply with federal outdoor advertising regulations (23 U.S.C. § 131).

  • Administrative process and compliance

    • The cabinet must promulgate regulations under KRS Chapter 13A to establish the sponsorship policy and process, including eligibility and agreements.
    • The sponsorship policy requires FHWA approval and adherence to nondiscrimination laws (state and federal) prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or other protected classes.
    • The cabinet may terminate a sponsorship if it determines the agreement or acknowledgment sign poses a safety concern, interferes with traffic flow, or is not in the public interest.
    • The policy will specify which sponsor types and sponsorship arrangements are acceptable under applicable laws.

  • Financial responsibilities

    • Sponsors bear the costs of manufacturing and installing acknowledgment signs, placing sponsorship messages, and removing all signs/markers after the sponsorship ends or terminates.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Private entities and sponsors that may enter into sponsorship agreements with Kentucky’s transportation cabinet.
  • Welcome centers and rest areas across the interstate and state highway systems.
  • The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (state agency) responsible for implementation, administration, and supervision of sponsorships.
  • General public travelers who use the funded welcome centers and rest areas, who would encounter acknowledgment signs of sponsors.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill outlines a regulatory framework to be developed under KRS Chapter 13A.
  • Federal Highway Administration approval is required for the sponsorship policy.
  • The text notes an intent to create guidelines and processes, but no specific dates for implementation are provided. Regulations would be promulgated post-enactment.

Potential Impact

  • Provides a mechanism to monetize or supplement funding for maintenance of welcome centers and rest areas through private sponsorships.
  • Introduces standardized, non-discriminatory, and limited signage to acknowledge sponsors without compromising safety or public interest.
  • Establishes governance to ensure sponsorships align with federal advertising rules and traffic safety considerations.
  • Could influence the appearance and operation of rest areas by introducing private branding, albeit with strong guardrails to prevent inappropriate or unsafe disclosures.

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

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