House Bill 186, which would ease regulatory barriers so churches and nonprofit groups can provide food to people in declared disasters and to homeless shelters, cleared the Kentucky House Agriculture Committee after a floor of questions and supportive remarks.

Representative Robert Duvall, state representative for District 17, introduced the bill, saying it “streamlines the process for churches and nonprofits to be able to provide food for homeless shelters and for those who have been displaced due to natural disasters.” The bill removes a requirement that organizations use an industrial kitchen or specific plumbing to distribute prepared food, as long as the food is safe and wholesome.

The bill is aimed at making it easier for local organizations to respond when communities are hit by floods or other declared emergencies. Representative Donworth asked whether the change applies only to declared natural disasters; Representative Duvall confirmed it applies when there is a “declared natural disaster.” Representative Pollock and others described existing community efforts, with Pollock noting a church-run soup kitchen that serves roughly 800 people and praising local food assistance during emergencies.

Several lawmakers asked about food-safety safeguards. Representative Watkins asked whether donations to shelters are limited to emergency situations; Duvall said donations to homeless shelters are a separate, non-emergency provision. Watkins also asked about training to ensure safe handling of donated food; Duvall said the bill requires food to be safe or “wholesome,” and committee members discussed the value of offering food-safety education through health departments or other providers.

The committee moved the bill with Representative Felicia Rayburn making the motion and Representative Pollock seconding. The committee recorded the measure as passing with favorable expression and indicated it would likely receive the same on the House floor.

The bill does not specify new funding for training or program administration; committee members suggested that any additional education or implementation resources would be addressed separately.