Environment (Wildlife)

passed · Tennessee · House Apr 23, 2026

HJR 1396: Memorials, Recognition - Trapping, effective wildlife management tool -

This bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally commends regulated trapping as an effective tool for wildlife management and conservation in Tennessee. It highlights how trapping helps maintain balanced ecosystems, protects endangered species, and controls populations of overabundant animals that cause damage to habitats. The resolution also acknowledges the economic and ecological benefits provided by licensed trappers, including contributions to the state's economy and support for federal wildlife programs. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not change existing laws but instead recognizes the role of trapping in responsible natural resource stewardship.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly commends trapping as a tool for wildlife management, ecosystem balance, and conservation, directly supporting environmental protection goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 11, 2026

HB 2118: 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.

HB 2118 redirects all state sales tax revenue from recreational vessels (including sailboats and non-motorized craft), 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 funding will cover the operational costs of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The bill specifically excludes existing tax allocations for education (from 1992) and infrastructure (from 2002) from this redirection. It affects businesses selling these recreational items and ensures dedicated funding for wildlife management programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects existing sales tax revenue to fund wildlife agency operations, advancing fiscal management of dedicated tax streams without new taxes.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRedirects sales tax revenue to Wildlife Resources Fund for agency operations, directly funding conservation and wildlife management under environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Sales Tax Wildlife

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 2609: 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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects existing sales tax revenue to fund wildlife agency operations, increasing dedicated budget allocation for state conservation programs.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRedirects sales tax revenue to wildlife resources fund, directly funding Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency operations for conservation and environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Sales Tax Wildlife

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 2138: Public Funds and Financing - As introduced, requires that 10 percent of the payments paid to or retained by the state from the Tennessee valley authority in lieu of taxes be allocated to the wildlife resources fund and used for boating and wildlife resources purposes. - Amends TCA Title 11; Title 67; Title 69 and Title 70.

HB 2138 requires Tennessee to allocate 10% of payments received from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in lieu of taxes to the state's wildlife resources fund. This funding must be used specifically for boating and wildlife conservation programs under existing wildlife resource laws. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections related to state finance (Title 11), wildlife resources (Title 69), and the wildlife fund (Title 70). It takes effect on July 1, 2026, and directly affects the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, which will manage these dedicated funds.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesDirects 10% of existing TVA payments (in lieu of taxes) to wildlife fund for conservation programs, ensuring dedicated budget allocation for public services.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill allocates 10% of TVA payments to wildlife resources fund for boating/wildlife conservation programs, directly funding environmental protection under existing laws.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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signed · Tennessee · Senate May 4, 2026

SB 2597: Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission - As enacted, authorizes the executive director of the wildlife resources agency to enter into agreements with local law enforcement agencies for the purpose of enforcing wildlife management laws and rules; creates a criminal offense for feeding black bears under certain circumstances. - Amends TCA Title 70.

SB 2597 allows Tennessee's wildlife agency to partner with local police to enforce wildlife laws, requiring written agreements that specify which rules officers can enforce (like bear feeding prohibitions) and mandating regular reports on enforcement actions. It creates a Class B misdemeanor for knowingly feeding black bears in areas where such feeding is prohibited, punishable by a $250+ fine, while unintentional feeding due to unsecured food leads to a written warning for first offenses and fines for repeat violations. The law directly affects residents in designated bear areas and local law enforcement agencies participating in the enforcement partnerships. It takes effect July 1, 2026, applying to violations occurring after that date.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEnforces bear feeding prohibitions to protect wildlife populations, directly advancing conservation efforts through strengthened enforcement of wildlife management laws.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 2183: Public Funds and Financing - As introduced, requires that 10 percent of the payments paid to or retained by the state from the Tennessee valley authority in lieu of taxes be allocated to the wildlife resources fund and used for boating and wildlife resources purposes. - Amends TCA Title 11; Title 67; Title 69 and Title 70.

SB 2183 redirects 10% of Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) payments in lieu of taxes that the state receives or retains to the Wildlife Resources Fund. This funding must be used specifically for boating and wildlife conservation projects managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections related to state finance (Title 11), TVA payments (Title 67), wildlife funding (Title 69), and the wildlife resources fund (Title 70). It takes effect July 1, 2026, ensuring a dedicated source of funding for state wildlife and boating infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects 10% of existing TVA payments (state revenue) to wildlife conservation fund, ensuring dedicated budget allocation for public services per bill's purpose.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRedirects 10% of TVA payments to Wildlife Resources Fund for boating/wildlife conservation projects, directly advancing natural resource protection and conservation efforts per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · Tennessee · House May 4, 2026

HB 2215: Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission - As enacted, authorizes the executive director of the wildlife resources agency to enter into agreements with local law enforcement agencies for the purpose of enforcing wildlife management laws and rules; creates a criminal offense for feeding black bears under certain circumstances. - Amends TCA Title 70.

HB 2215 allows Tennessee's wildlife agency to partner with local police to enforce wildlife laws, specifically for public safety issues like bear feeding. It directly affects residents and visitors in areas where officials have posted notices prohibiting bear feeding. The bill creates a Class B misdemeanor for intentionally feeding black bears in these designated zones, punishable by a $250 fine, while unintentional feeding due to unsecured food results in a warning for first offenses and a $250 fine for repeat violations. Key mechanisms include requiring detailed reporting by police when enforcing these rules and limiting enforcement agreements to specific wildlife safety concerns. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates Class B misdemeanor for feeding bears in designated areas to prevent human-wildlife conflicts, conserving bear populations and aligning with wildlife conservation under environmental protection.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SB 1554: Sunset Laws - As enacted, extends the Tennessee fish and wildlife commission to June 30, 2030. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 70, Chapter 1, Part 2.

SB 1554 extends the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission's existence until June 30, 2030. It amends two sections of Tennessee law (Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 70, Chapter 1, Part 2) to remove an outdated reference and formally recognize the commission's ongoing role. This change ensures the commission can continue managing the state's fish and wildlife resources without interruption. The bill directly affects the commission by preventing its automatic termination under previous sunset provisions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExtends Fish and Wildlife Commission, ensuring ongoing management of natural resources and conservation efforts without interruption.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 28, 2025

SB 1277: Parks, Natural Areas Preservation - As enacted, revises the descriptions of existing state natural areas and designates new natural areas. - Amends TCA Title 11, Chapter 14, Part 1.

SB 1277 revises Tennessee’s state natural areas program by adjusting acreage measurements for existing protected lands and designating four new natural areas for conservation. The bill specifically adds Clifty Creek Gorge (89 acres in Morgan County, protecting the Virginia spirea), Rocky Hill (1 acre in Rutherford County, safeguarding endangered plants), Union Grove (59 acres in Hamblen County, preserving the Tennessee trillium), and Versailles Knob (40 acres in Rutherford County, protecting Braun’s Rockcress). It also updates acreage figures for multiple existing sites, such as expanding Barnett’s Woods to 156 acres and Emory River to 2,754 acres. These changes directly affect the state’s conservation efforts by formally protecting specific ecosystems and endangered species under Tennessee’s natural areas framework.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDesignates four new natural areas to protect endangered species (Virginia spirea, Tennessee trillium) and habitats, directly advancing conservation efforts per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation Wildlife

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signed · Tennessee · House Apr 28, 2025

HB 126: Parks, Natural Areas Preservation - As enacted, revises the descriptions of existing state natural areas and designates new natural areas. - Amends TCA Title 11, Chapter 14, Part 1.

HB 126 revises Tennessee's state natural areas by updating acreage descriptions for existing protected lands and designating four new natural areas. It increases protected acreage for sites like Barnett's Woods (from 40 to 156 acres) and adds new areas including Clifty Creek Gorge (89 acres protecting the federally threatened Virginia spirea), Rocky Hill (1 acre safeguarding the endangered running glade clover), Union Grove (59 acres preserving the Tennessee trillium), and Versailles Knob (40 acres protecting Braun's Rockcress). The bill directly affects conservation efforts by expanding legal protections for specific endangered species and habitats across Morgan, Rutherford, and Hamblen counties. Enacted on April 11, 2025, it formalizes these land designations without introducing new funding or regulatory requirements.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExpands protected acreage for natural areas, designates new sites to conserve endangered species and habitats per bill's explicit purpose.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation Wildlife