CHAPTER 40
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CHAPTER 40
( HB 621 )
AN ACT relating to the State Fair Board.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:
ď˘Section 1. KRS 247.140 is amended to read as follows:
(1) The State Fair Board:
(a) Shall have the custody and control of such property as now is under its custody and control, and of such
property as may hereafter be placed under its control or transferred to it by the State Property and
Buildings Commission, for any purposes mentioned in this section and the physical properties so under
its custody and control or transferred to it are hereinafter referred to in this section, and in KRS 247.150
and 247.160, as the "state fairgrounds and an area in a city of the first class to be used as an exhibition
center";
(b) May erect and repair buildings on the state fairgrounds and exhibition center, make any and all
necessary or proper improvements, and generally carry on a program of development and extension of
facilities designed to accomplish the objectives defined in this section;
(c) Shall promote the progress of the state and stimulate public interest in the advantages and development
of the state by providing the facilities of the state fairgrounds for agricultural and industrial exhibitions,
public gatherings, cultural activities, and other functions calculated to advance the educational,
physical, and cultural interests of the public and by providing the facilities of the exhibition center for
conventions, trade shows, public gatherings, and other functions calculated to advance and enhance the
visitor industry, economy, entertainment, cultural and educational interests of the public;
(d) Shall hold an annual fair on the state fairgrounds, for the exhibition of agricultural, mechanical,
horticultural, dairy, forestry, poultry, livestock, mineral, and all other industrial interests of the state,
and prepare premium lists and establish rules of exhibition for the fair;
(e) May purchase liability insurance for the members and executive officers exempted from the classified
service of the state by KRS 18A.115; and
(f) Shall own and operate shows and expositions that include but are not limited to the:
1. North American International Livestock Exposition including its North American
Championship Rodeo;[,]
2. Kentucky State Fair and World's Championship Horse Show;[,] and
3. National Farm Machinery Show and its Championship Tractor Pull.
(2) The State Fair Board may take, acquire, and hold property, and all interest therein, by deed, gift, devise,
bequest, lease, or eminent domain, or by transfer from the State Property and Buildings Commission, and may
dispose of any property so acquired in the manner provided by law. In the exercise of its power of eminent
domain it shall proceed in the manner provided in the Eminent Domain Act of Kentucky.
Signed by Governor April 4, 2024.