New Bill Puts Commissioner Jerry Ferrell’s Seat at Risk
Jerry Ferrell, the first Black member of the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission, is fighting to keep his position. A new bill, Senate Bill 245, could remove him from the board overseeing the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR). Governor Andy Beshear vetoed the bill, but Republican lawmakers could override the veto.
The bill changes how commission reappointments work. Currently, if the governor reappoints a member and the Senate does not confirm them, they can serve until the end of the year. SB 245 would force them to step down immediately after the legislative session ends. Ferrell, the only commission member up for reappointment this year, would be directly affected.
Ferrell Suspects Political Motives Behind the Bill
Ferrell believes the bill is an attempt to remove him from the board. He suspects his social media activity, which includes posts critical of former President Donald Trump, may be a factor. Though he has no direct evidence, he says conversations with sportsmen who support him suggest political bias may be at play.
“Politics has nothing to do with fish and wildlife,” Ferrell said. “I want to continue serving and show others that a Black American can be a strong voice on this commission.”
SB 245’s sponsor, Sen. Brandon Smith, denies targeting Ferrell. He claims the bill fixes a “loophole” in the appointment process. However, Governor Beshear called the bill “legislative game-playing” and criticized the Senate for delaying Ferrell’s confirmation.
The Confirmation Process and Its Controversies
The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission consists of nine members who oversee the agency’s budget and policies. The process for appointing members includes nominations from sportsmen, selection by the governor, and confirmation by the Senate.
In recent years, the Republican-controlled Senate has rejected multiple appointments made by Governor Beshear, leading to vacancies on the commission. Some sportsmen accuse Senate leaders of using the confirmation process as a political weapon. Senate Republicans argue they need to properly vet candidates.
Ferrell was originally appointed by Beshear in 2021 and confirmed in 2022. After his first term ended in 2024, a district meeting nominated him for another term. Beshear reappointed him in January 2025, but the Senate has yet to confirm his reappointment.
What Happens If SB 245 Becomes Law?
If the legislature overrides Beshear’s veto, Ferrell could be removed immediately. The bill states that if a reappointment is not confirmed during a legislative session, the member must vacate their seat when the session ends. With the session wrapping up soon, Ferrell’s fate remains uncertain.
Beshear has argued that the bill undermines the voices of Kentucky’s sportsmen and women. “The Senate’s pattern of denying confirmations shows they are deferring to someone other than the people who elect these members,” Beshear said.
Ferrell worries that the effort to remove him reflects a broader resistance to diversity. “Anybody that thinks minorities don’t hunt or fish is crazy,” he said. “We are out here enjoying the outdoors like everyone else.”
Next Steps in the Fight for Representation
With the bill awaiting a final decision, all eyes are on the Kentucky legislature. If the veto is overridden, Ferrell will be forced out, leaving the commission without any Black representation. If the veto stands, Ferrell will continue his work on the board.
For now, Ferrell remains determined to serve. “I just want to do my job and represent all sportsmen fairly,” he said. “This should not be about politics.”
Leave a Reply