Meet the Senator from Hazard - Brandon Smith

Where are you from: I was born and raised in Hazard 

Family you’d like to mention: My wife Laurel and my six children Forrest, Houston, Creston, Grey, Kipling, and Claude Rousseau

Issues most important to you: Natural resources and energy policy, rebuilding eastern Kentucky in the aftermath of the flood, and bringing long-term economic development to eastern Kentucky.

Single most important/significant piece of legislation you sponsored/championed: the Adventure Tourism Bill, which makes it easier for private landowners to willingly lease large tracts of land to government agencies for the purpose of adventure tourism, such as ATV and horseback riding trails, mountain climbing and hiking, by relieving certain liability issues.  This legislation opened the door for many exciting opportunities, including the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreational Authority, which I Co-Chair with my good friend, Rep Chris Fugate. Additionally, two other major legislative achievements were Senate Bill 6, which prohibits abortions after the 20th gestational week, as well as Senate Bill 150, which enables permit-less concealed carry.

 Personal interests: I am an avid outdoorsman but what I enjoy the most in my downtime is spending time with my family.