Agriculture - Recognizes the importance of developing information and recommendations to assist the 115th General Assembly in crafting legislation to regulate agricultural operations based on raising fur-bearing animals. -

This Tennessee House Resolution directs the Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to conduct research and provide policy recommendations on regulating fur-bearing animals. The bill addresses a current regulatory gap where fur-bearing animals are classified as wildlife rather than livestock, creating uncertainty for farmers and unclear oversight. The agencies are tasked with studying how to define fur production as agriculture, estimating the number of operations raising these animals, and proposing regulations for animal welfare and public health safety. This resolution aims to gather necessary data before the next legislative session to help craft future laws governing fur-bearing animal operations in the state.