LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky Senate Republicans are working to move oversight of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources away from the governor, and instead put it under the authority of the Department of Agriculture.
Senate Bill 3, sponsored by State Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray, passed in the Senate Friday. Several Republicans sided with Democrats in voting against the bill. The final vote was 20-16.
“And to me, this situation really shed light that being under any governor, not just this governor, would never allow the full operational independence that Fish and Wildlife needs to pursue its mission,” Howell said on the Senate floor Friday.
The bill would move Kentucky’s Fish and Wildlife Department from the tourism cabinet, meaning the governor would not oversee commissioner appointments, which must be confirmed by the Senate.
Republican Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell would gain this power if SB 3 becomes law.
“The reach and clout of the commissioner of the Department of Agriculture isn’t to the degree of significance that the governor is, and I think that gives him an added level of security and safety and cover to be able to execute their operations in Fish and Wildlife the way they need to,” Howell said.
Opponents of the bill say the mission of the Department of Agriculture differs from the conservation work by fish and wildlife. Howell disagrees.
“There’s always going to be a certain level of friction, but I think the times are changed enough where the benefits way outweigh the detriment.”, Howell said.
State Sen. Robin Webb, D-Grayson, who filed several floor amendments to the bill spoke against its passage.
“American Sports Fishing Associations, Safari Club International, League of Kentucky Sportsmen and the National Wild Turkey Federation have all come out strongly against these bills, and I stand in solidarity with the sportsmen and women and the species that don’t have a lobbyist here to represent. I’m against this measure.”, Webb said.
Adding to the complexity of this matter, a floor amendment by outgoing Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, moves the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) from the Public Protection Cabinet to the agriculture department as well.
This amendment ultimately did pass.
“It’s not just the signature industry for the state of Kentucky, it’s also in its of itself a multibillion dollar industry,” Howell said. “And that, combined with the fact that it does involve gambling as part of its component, then I think the additional oversight and everything is in the public’s best interest.”
The governor would keep his ability to appoint Kentucky Horse Racing Commission members. They would need to be confirmed by the Senate.
On Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., criticized SB 3 for its attempt to take additional power away from the executive branch. He also called out Republicans in the Senate who’ve been uncooperative in confirming his fish and wildlife appointees.
“The real issue that I think we see a lot of times in Kentucky is rural versus urban and issues like this. And I think this gives the most synergy for Fish and Wildlife to better coexist with agriculture than they have successive administrations,” Howell said. “And I would urge everyone to approach this with an open mind with that end.”
Senate Bill 3 now moves to the House for consideration.