House passes HB 111 with substitute to protect farmer decision‑making and preserve state veterinarian authority

The Kentucky House on third reading adopted House Bill 111 with a committee substitute that sponsors described as the product of negotiations with agricultural stakeholders.

The gentleman from LaRue told members the substitute reflected work with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Poultry Association, Tyson, animal health groups and the Thoroughbred Association. He said the substitute "allows for us to protect Kentucky farmers and Kentucky farm families" and clarifies that farmers should make decisions about their operations while preserving the state veterinarian’s authority in cases of disease outbreaks or animal abuse or neglect. The substitute also exempts equine operations at their request.

Members adopted House Committee Substitute 1 and then passed HB 111 as amended by that substitute by roll call. The clerk recorded the passage and the House moved on to other business.

The transcript records the sponsors’ description of stakeholder engagement and the statutory clarifications; it does not include detailed amendment text or any recorded votes by individual member name in the provided excerpts.