The mission of the Public Protection Cabinet is to provide for public safety, consumer protection and financial integrity through the enforcement and administration of laws and regulations throughout the Commonwealth. The Cabinet has six departments:

• Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
• Department of Financial Institutions
• Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction
• Department of Insurance
• Department of Professional Licensing.

Attached to the Cabinet for administrative purposes only:

• Kentucky Boxing & Wrestling Commission
• Office of Claims and Appeals

The Office of the Secretary also includes the Office of Administrative Services, the Office of Communications and Public Outreach, Office of Administrative Hearings, and the Office of Legal Services.

The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation was established by 24 RS SB 299 and codified in KRS 230.225. This legislation moved the Horse Racing Commission to the new Corporation as of July 1, 2024 and moved Charitable Gaming to the new Corporation as of July 1, 2025. These two agencies are now no longer a part of the Commonwealth's budget.