FROM CLASSROOM TO CAPITOL: 

SENATE PASSES STUDENT-INSPIRED BILL TO NAME KENTUCKY’S OFFICIAL STATE MUSHROOM 

SB 19 was inspired by students at Letcher County Central High School

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 11, 2026) — Legislation inspired by students from Letcher County to designate the indigo milk cap as Kentucky’s official state mushroom has passed the Kentucky Senate.

Senate Bill (SB) 19, sponsored by Sen. Scott Madon, R-Pineville, advanced after receiving approval from the full Senate. The bill was introduced after students at Letcher County Central High School approached Madon with the idea while he was visiting the district.

Madon later invited the students to Frankfort to present their research and testify before the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee, giving them the opportunity to see the legislative process firsthand.

“This idea came directly from students in my district,” Madon said. “They took the time to research it, present it, and come to Frankfort to share what they had learned. It’s been a great opportunity for them to see how the legislative process works and how their ideas can become part of the conversation.”

During the committee hearing, students explained the ecological importance of fungi and highlighted the indigo milk cap (Lactarius indigo), a distinctive blue mushroom commonly found in Kentucky forests. The species was selected in part because of its unique appearance and its connection to Kentucky’s identity as the Bluegrass State.

Madon said the experience has been a valuable civics lesson for the students who helped bring the idea forward.

“More than anything, this has been about giving these students the opportunity to participate in the process,” Madon said. “They’ve done a great job representing their school and community.”

With Senate passage, SB 19 now moves to the Kentucky House of Representatives for consideration.

Find a list of other official Kentucky state symbols HERE.

To watch students from Letcher County Central High School share the idea behind the bill and participate in the legislative process, view the video HERE.

Learn more about bills, committees and other important updates on the 2026 Regular Session at www.kylegislature.gov.