Kentucky Senate narrowly approves agritourism bill after floor debate on local control

Senate Bill 45, sponsored in the record by Senator Webb and explained on the floor by Senator Carter, passed the Kentucky Senate on Feb. 12 by a 26–12 vote after extended debate over local control and definitions of covered activities.

Senator Carter told colleagues the bill is intended to protect lawful agritourism and animal-related enterprises — rodeos, petting zoos, pony rides and similar events — from local prohibitions that he said have been enacted in some municipalities. Carter said the measure is not intended to shield animal cruelty and described it as a "working animal protection" bill that provides clarity to preserve economic drivers such as equine events and fairs.

Another senator identified in the transcript only as speaker 16 raised objections and said the bill could remove meaningful local ordinances — for example, county rules that have supported county fairs and 4-H activities. That senator said they intended to vote no and planned to work with the sponsor to seek tighter language going forward. Senator Carter said he had incorporated some municipal-requested language into section 2 to require compliance with public health, safety, planning and zoning requirements enforceable by local government.

Floor action: Senators debated a floor amendment that sponsor supporters said would address some municipal concerns; the amendment was not adopted during the session. The clerk recorded 26 yays and 12 nays and the bill passed the Senate.

Why it matters: SB 45 changes the balance between local regulation and statewide protection for agritourism activities, with direct implications for municipalities that currently administer local ordinances related to animal events and for businesses that rely on agritourism revenue. Supporters framed the bill as preserving Kentucky tradition and economic activity; opponents warned it could preempt useful local safeguards.

What’s next: With Senate passage, SB 45 will proceed to the House for consideration or to the next stage of the legislative process. Sponsors and opponents signaled an intent to continue refining language in subsequent committee or house consideration.