FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 7, 2018) — The Senate passed a measure Wednesday that would allow a weight variance for feed trucks in a move supporters claimed would make Kentucky more competitive when trying to attract and retain agricultural industries.
“We are just asking to make Kentucky a competitive field for the poultry industry,” said Sen. Paul Hornback, R-Shelbyville.
While Kentucky’s No. 1 agricultural industry remains poultry, Hornback said the state missed out on two recent expansions in the industry.
Known as HB 153, the measure would allow all nine sections of a typical feed truck to be filled. The current law only allows eight of those sections to be filled at any one time.
Sen. Ernie Harris, R-Prospect, said HB 153 would allow some trucks to go over the 80,000-pound limit by as much as 20 percent.
“So I am very, very reluctant to let the camel put its nose under the tent and increase weight above 80,000 pounds unless there is a fee associated with that,” he said before explaining an amendment that would create an annual $150-per-truck fee for the trucks.
The amendment was adopted before HB 153 passed by a 32-5 vote.
The bill now goes back to the House for consideration of the Senate change.
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