Read the full stored bill text
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 1602
Page 1 of 2
XXXX 1/9/2026 1:23 PM Jacketed
A JOINT RESOLUTION directing the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to study 1
the efficacy of planting mint along highways to mitigate motor vehicle collisions with 2
wildlife. 3
WHEREAS, in 2024, there were 3,406 highway collisions in the Commonwealth 4
that involved a motor vehicle striking a deer, the highest recorded number in the last five 5
years; and 6
WHEREAS, each year, the Commonwealth continues to see increased collisio ns 7
with deer and other wildlife, which often result in fatalities, serious injuries, and severe 8
damage to motor vehicles; and 9
WHEREAS, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet conducted a wildlife -vehicle 10
collision reduction pilot study in central Kentucky that was completed in 2025; and 11
WHEREAS, the initial conclusions of that study found that hunting pressures, road 12
location, vehicle noise, and adjacent roadway slope are all significant factors to consider 13
in creating an effective wildlife-vehicle collision mitigation plan; and 14
WHEREAS, Mentha, also known as mint, has been used for generations by farmers 15
and land managers to deter deer from fields and crops; and 16
WHEREAS, mint could have benefits if strategically planted along highways in the 17
Commonwealth to det er deer and other wildlife from crossing, potentially preventing 18
fatal accidents; 19
NOW, THEREFORE, 20
Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: 21
Section 1. (1) The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, in conjunction with 22
the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, is directed to study, examine, 23
and evaluate if a program to plant mint along highways in the Commonwealth would: 24
(a) Adequately deter deer and other wildlife from crossing highways; 25
(b) Reduce wildlife collisions and fatalities; and 26
(c) Have a harmful or positive impact to the natural ecosystem. 27
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 1602
Page 2 of 2
XXXX 1/9/2026 1:23 PM Jacketed
(2) The cabinet may engage the assistance of the Kentucky Transportation Center 1
in completing the study required in Section 1 of this Resolution. 2
(3) The cabinet shall present the results of the study required in Section 1 of this 3
Resolution, including findings and recommendations, to the Legislative Research 4
Commission for referral to the Interim Joint C ommittee on Transportation and the 5
Legislative Research Commission by October 31, 2026. 6