SB 2609 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Taxes, Sales - As introduced, allocates all revenue generated from the state sales tax on retail sales of recreational vessels, recreational vessel accessories, and wildlife-related outdoor recreational goods to the wildlife resources fund. - Amends TCA Title 11; Title 67; Title 69 and Title 70.

SB 2609 redirects all state sales tax revenue from sales of recreational vessels (including sailboats and non-motorized boats), recreational vessel accessories (like trailers and life jackets), and wildlife-related outdoor goods (such as fishing rods, hunting gear, and ammunition) to the wildlife resources fund starting July 1, 2026. This revenue will specifically fund the operational expenses of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The bill explicitly excludes existing tax allocations for education (under 1992 law) and the 2002 tax rate increase from this redirection, maintaining those funds as currently designated.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Last action Apr 20, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
10
Key actions
6
Committee
7
Apr 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/21/2026
lower
Apr 14, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/20/2026
lower
Apr 14, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/21/2026
lower
Mar 17, 2026
Lower · Passed
Refer to Senate F,W&M Committee w/ negative recommendation, as amended
lower
Mar 10, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate FW&M Revenue Subcommittee calendar for 3/17/2026
lower
Feb 24, 2026
Lower · Passed
Refer to Senate F,W&M Revenue Subcommittee
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee
upper
Feb 2, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Steve Southerland
Steve Southerland
RRepublican
TN
9