AN ACT relating to tourism.

HB 485 amends Kentucky law (KRS 148.056) to replace gendered terms like "his or her" with gender-neutral language in the section governing park ranger employment and authority. The bill directly affects how the Department of Parks designates park rangers as peace officers, updating the language to be inclusive without changing their duties or powers. Key provisions require the commissioner to employ park rangers "as the commissioner deems necessary" using gender-neutral phrasing, while preserving all existing requirements for training, bonding, and jurisdiction. This is a procedural language update, not a substantive policy change, and applies to park ranger roles across Kentucky's state parks. The bill is currently pending in the House Tourism & Outdoor Recreation committee.