Students persuade Senate committee to back bill naming indigo milk cap as Kentucky's state mushroom

Students from Letcher County Central High School and their biology instructor presented Senate Bill 19 to the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism and Labor, urging the committee to designate the indigo milk cap (Lactarius indigo) as Kentucky's state mushroom. Following the presentation and brief questioning, the committee voted unanimously to report the measure favorably.

Senator Maiden invited the students to the committee and framed the visit as a civic-education opportunity. Biology instructor Wayne Caudill introduced the group and described the classroom project, saying students were asked to consider "Why Kentucky should have a state mushroom." Students described ecological and cultural reasons: Angel Jenkins said state organisms "represent natural environment, heritage, identity, economic value and unity," while a student noted that naming a state mushroom could spur research and education about culinary and medicinal properties.

Student presenters described the indigo milk cap (Lactarius indigo), noting it is commonly found under oak and beech trees and is also reported under the state tree, the tulip poplar. A presenter described the mushroom's striking blue latex when cut and its citrusy, lemony flavor; the instructor said he has cooked and eaten the mushroom. One presenter summarized their pitch as: "Given that the state of Kentucky is commonly referred to as the Bluegrass State, why not have a blue mushroom to represent it?"

Committee members praised the students. Senator Nunn commended the presentation, and other members, including the vice chair and Senator Boswell, noted the educational value and expressed support. The vice chair asked how the public would know whether a mushroom is safe to eat; the instructor cautioned that identifying edible mushrooms "takes a lot of experience" and referenced community groups and experts for safe identification.

A motion to report Senate Bill 19 received a second, the clerk recorded roll-call 'Aye' votes from the committee members present, and the chair announced the measure would be reported favorably. The committee did not record amendments or conditions on the bill during the hearing. The chair said he intends to bring student delegations when he presents future bills as well.

The committee then passed over Senate Bill 324 to a later date and adjourned.