Frankfort, Ky.- With the goal of protecting Kentuckians’ rights to hunt and fish, State Representative C.B. Embry (R-Morgantown) has co-sponsored legislation that would allow voters the right to preserve those activities in the Commonwealth’s constitution.
Bill Request 71 would give voters the opportunity to approve a constitutional amendment that would guarantee hunting and fishing could never be outlawed without a statewide vote of the people. If passed in the General Assembly, this amendment would be placed on the 2012 November ballot for approval by the Commonwealth’s voters.
“Our constitution protects elemental rights that no legislature or court can override,” said Representative Embry. “I believe the same should hold true in regard to the rights of our hunters and fishers as well.”
Four states have included language to protect hunting and fishing rights in their constitution and Arkansas voters will have the opportunity to add their state to that list in November. Some of those states relatively early in their statehood, such as 1777 for Vermont, but most votes have taken place since 1996. A dozen other states will be considering similar measures next year in their state’s legislature.
Representative Embry emphasized he is sponsoring this amendment because he does not want to see these either hunting or fishing curtailed by those who oppose the sport of the game or the method used to take an animal.
“At a time when many of our rights are being usurped by the federal government, I’m proud to play a role in securing the rightfully deserved protections for these activities that are enjoyed by numerous citizens throughout Kentucky. Hunting and fishing are a crucial part of out our heritage and continue to play an important role in our economy,” added Representative Embry.
To view Bill Request 71, you may visit the LRC website at www.lrc.ky.gov and select “2011 Prefiled Bills.”
