HOWELL’S SENATE BILL 214 STRENGTHENS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE’S ABILITY TO SECURE, MANAGE FUNDING

HOWELL’S SENATE BILL 214 STRENGTHENS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE’S ABILITY TO SECURE, MANAGE FUNDING

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 26, 2026) — Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray, Senate Bill (SB) 214 enhancing Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s (KDA) ability to secure, administer and manage non-federal funds supporting farmers, agribusinesses and rural communities was passed out of the senate today and may now be taken up by the House of Representatives.

SB 214 authorizes KDA to accept nonfederal funds and grants from any public or private source that benefit its programs. It also clarifies the department’s authority to receive federal funds, commodities and other resources made available through acts of Congress, as well as funds appropriated by the Kentucky General Assembly.

“Agriculture is foundational to Kentucky’s economy, and this legislation ensures our Department of Agriculture has the clear authority and flexibility to pursue and manage funding from federal, state, and private partners,” Howell said. “By streamlining that process, we’re maximizing resources, strengthening our agricultural economy, and being proactive in supporting a vital industry and the rural communities that depend on it.”

SB 214 also ensures the department has clear authority to disburse funds according to state and federal law. It allows the department to accept and administer non-federal grants, gifts, donations, or devices from public or private sources to further support agriculture-related initiatives.

Under the bill, the commissioner of agriculture would be authorized to enter into agreements and carry out their terms with federal departments, as well as state and local public agencies.