First District State Senator Jason Howell, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, is proposing to move the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife from the Tourism Arts and Heritage Cabinet.
Senator Howell filed Senate Bill 3 to remove the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources from the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet and attach the department to the Department of Agriculture. Senate Bill 3 would also authorize the Commissioner of Agriculture to appoint members of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission.
Senator Howell says he is proposing the move based on the conflicts between the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and at least two Governor Administrations.
click to download audioSenator Howell says the change would allow the funding that the Department of Fish and Wildlife generates to be administered through a different agency.
click to download audioHe adds there is some concern among sportsmen across the state, but he feels many of those who hunt and fish are connected to agriculture.
click to download audioSenate Bill 3 contains an emergency clause which means the legislation could be enacted quickly if it is approved by the Kentucky General Assembly. Senate Bill 3 was referred to the Senate Agriculture Committee after it was introduced in the Senate Committee on Committees.
