summary
Introduced
01/06/2026
01/06/2026
In Committee
01/06/2026
01/06/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 512 to define terms; make criminal atmospheric pollution a Class D felony; require that a person found guilty of criminal atmospheric pollution pay a civil penalty of not less than $500,000 in addition to all other penalties authorized by law; provide that each day that a person engages in criminal atmospheric pollution constitutes a separate offense; empower all peace officers of the Commonwealth to enforce the prohibition on criminal atmospheric pollution; require an arresting officer to issue a notice to any federal agency that approved the action that those activities cannot be lawfully carried out in the Commonwealth.
AI Summary
This bill creates a new law in Kentucky that defines "atmospheric contaminant" broadly to include various substances and agents, and "atmospheric polluting intervention" as manipulating natural systems by altering atmospheric or environmental conditions through methods like stratospheric aerosol injection, cloud seeding, solar radiation modification, or releasing contaminants from airborne sources that could harm health, the environment, or agriculture. Engaging in such interventions intentionally or wantonly is classified as criminal atmospheric pollution, a Class D felony, with each day of violation considered a separate offense. In addition to other penalties, offenders must pay a civil penalty of at least $500,000. All Kentucky peace officers are empowered to enforce this prohibition, and any suspected violations can be reported to them. If a federal agency has approved such an intervention, arresting officers must notify that agency that the activity is not permitted in Kentucky.
Sponsors (10)
Steve Rawlings (R)*,
Gary Boswell (R),
Don Douglas (R),
Greg Elkins (R),
Shelley Frommeyer (R),
Scott Madon (R),
Amanda Mays Bledsoe (R),
Aaron Reed (R),
Lindsey Tichenor (R),
Gex Williams (R),
Last Action
to Committee on Committees (S) (on 01/06/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/sb25.html |
| BillText | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/26RS/sb25/orig_bill.pdf |
| Corrections Impact | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/note/26RS/sb25/CI.pdf |
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