BOSWELL’S SB 39 PASSES GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HEADS TO GOVERNOR’S DESK TO PROTECT PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS FOR POND AND LAKE OWNERS
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 31, 2026) — The Kentucky General Assembly has passed Senate Bill 39, legislation sponsored by Sen. Gary Boswell, R-Owensboro, to reaffirm private property rights by clarifying fishing and stocking rules for privately owned lakes and ponds.
Senate Bill 39 ensures private landowners are not subject to state limits on creel size, possession or methods of take when fishing in privately owned lakes or ponds located on their property. The bill also allows landowners to extend those fishing privileges to others through written or electronic permission.
The legislation further clarifies that private pond owners are exempt from state stocking requirements, except for invasive species, and confirms that certain largemouth bass, including first-generation F1 bass, are not considered invasive for stocking purposes.
“This is about respecting private property and common sense,” Boswell said. “If someone owns the land and the water, they should have clear authority over how it’s used, while still protecting against truly invasive species.”
Senate Bill 39 focuses on landowner rights, outdoor traditions and regulatory clarity without affecting public waters or conservation enforcement.
The House adopted changes to the legislation, and the Senate has concurred. Senate Bill 39 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
For more information on SB 39 and other legislative updates, visit Legislature.ky.gov.