Kentucky legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Kentucky SR185: A RESOLUTION recognizing that economic development and tourism are interdependent and requesting the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet to work together to explore further development of the Kentucky state park system.
Status: Passed both chambers, April 1, 2026
Urge the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet to work together to enhance economic development and tourism for Kentucky through the state park system; request the cabinets to present recommendation to the Interim Joint Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment.
What the bill says
A resolution recognizing that economic development and tourism are interdependent and requesting the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet to work together to explore further development of the Kentucky state park system.
From the introduced text:
A RESOLUTION recognizing that economic development and tourism are interdependent and requesting the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet to work together to explore further development of the Kentucky state park system. WHEREAS, the Kentucky state park system was established in 1924 and boasts one of the nation's most extensive networks, including over 45 parks and historic sites, resort parks with lodges, and 13 golf courses; and WHEREAS, the Kentucky state park system employs almost 650 full-time employees and hundreds of seasonal staff members; and WHEREAS, in 2016, the General Assembly approved an $18 million appropriation to improve safety and infrastructure and enhance esthetics at Kentucky state parks as part of the Refreshing the Finest Effort; and WHEREAS, since 2016, the General Assembly has approved over $400 million for a major overhaul of the state parks to address crucial structural and infrastructure needs, including campground upgrades, utility improvements, and broadband connectivity; and WHEREAS, tourism often acts as a powerful driver for local growth by bringing out-of-state dollars to the Commonwealth, stimulating economic development for local communities; and WHEREAS, the Kentucky state park system offers a sustainable economic development ecosystem for local communities; and WHEREAS, the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet have a valuable opportunity given the improvements made to …
Sponsors
- Shelley Funke Frommeyer (R, SD-024) · primary sponsor
- Phillip Wheeler (R, SD-031)
- Matthew Deneen (R, SD-010)
- Scott Madon (R, SD-029)
- Matt Nunn (R, SD-017)
- Steve Rawlings (R, SD-011)
- Mike Wilson (R, SD-032)
Latest actions
- : adopted by voice vote
- : to Senate Floor
- : to Committee on Committees (S)
- : introduced in Senate
Subjects: State Agencies, Economic Development, Parks And Shrines, Tourism
Common questions
- What is SR185?
- SR185 is a bill in the Kentucky Legislature (2026 Regular Session): A RESOLUTION recognizing that economic development and tourism are interdependent and requesting the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet to work together to explore further development of the Kentucky state park system.
- What does SR185 do?
- In its own words: A resolution recognizing that economic development and tourism are interdependent and requesting the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet to work together to explore further development of the Kentucky state park system.
- What is the status of SR185?
- Passed both chambers as of April 1, 2026. Latest action: adopted by voice vote (April 1, 2026).
- Who sponsored SR185?
- Shelley Funke Frommeyer (R, SD-024), with 6 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SR185?
- On the Kentucky Legislature website: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26rs/sr185.html
Source: official Kentucky record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.