KY HB161

School districts must permit free public access to all running tracks on school property during daylight nonschool hours, except when tracks are being used for school-sponsored or school-authorized activities

Local boards must adopt policies governing track access including rules to prevent damage, a prohibition on pets (excluding service animals), signage requirements, and a process for notifying the public of temporary closures

Damaging a school running track is a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense (up to $500 fine and/or 12 months imprisonment) and a Class D felony for subsequent offenses (up to $1,000 fine and/or 1-5 years imprisonment)

Bringing a pet onto a running track results in civil fines of $50 for the first offense and $100 for subsequent offenses, plus restitution for any damage caused

School districts that fail to provide required public track access or enforce the pet prohibition may have state education funds withheld; the act takes effect January 1, 2027