State Bills: Kentucky

EPA Pesticide Label Sufficient Warning for Duty-to-Warn Claims

Kentucky enacted SB199, establishing that any pesticide registered with the Department of Agriculture bearing an EPA-approved label under FIFRA is deemed sufficient warning for duty-to-warn legal actions. The bill creates a new section of KRS Chapter 217 and amends KRS 217.544. The legislation passed with a Senate veto override on March 31, 2026, following initial passage and gubernatorial veto.

Removes DOC Administrative Regulation Requirement for Death Penalty

The Kentucky General Assembly passed SB251, removing the Department of Corrections' requirement to promulgate administrative regulations regarding the death penalty. Execution protocols may now be established through internal policy, memorandum, or other forms of action rather than formal regulatory proceedings. The bill passed with a veto override vote of 68-23 in the House.

Court Security Officers Arrest and Transport Powers

The Kentucky General Assembly passed SB312 amending KRS 70.280, 202A.028, and 202A.101 to authorize certified court security officers to transport individuals in custody outside court facilities and to exercise arrest powers while engaged in such transport, monitoring, or supervision. The bill passed the Senate 32-0 on March 11, 2026.

Kentucky Food is Medicine State Designation

Kentucky General Assembly passed SJR23 declaring Kentucky a 'Food is Medicine' state and directing state agencies to advance related initiatives. The resolution passed unanimously (93-0) with a veto override in the House on March 31, 2026, following Senate adoption on January 28, 2026. Sponsors include Senators Frommeyer, Douglas, and Tichenor.

Honorary Highway Designations - Officer Peter Grignon Memorial Highway

The Kentucky General Assembly passed SJR139, a joint resolution designating a portion of United States Route 60A as the 'Officer Peter Grignon Memorial Highway.' The resolution directs the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to implement this honorary naming. The Senate adopted the resolution 36-0 with committee amendments on March 16, 2026.