Bill > HB161

This bill, effective January 1, 2027, requires public school districts to allow community members access to all running tracks on school property during daylight, non-school hours for recreation or sports, unless the track is in use for a school activity or undergoing maintenance. The bill defines "daylight" as sunrise to sunset, "nonschool hours" as times outside regular instruction including weekends and holidays, "normal wear and tear" as natural deterioration from reasonable use, and "pet" to exclude trained service animals. School districts must establish reasonable policies for track use, prohibiting pets (except service animals) and activities that could damage the track, and post signage detailing access rules and contact information. The Kentucky Board of Education will create regulations to ensure consistent implementation, with potential withholding of state funds for non-compliance. It also makes it unlawful to intentionally or negligently damage a school running track or bring a pet onto it or its immediate surroundings, with specific criminal and civil penalties for violations, including fines and restitution for damages, and requires school districts to report such incidents.

Education

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/hb161.html