Bill > HB2938

This bill establishes a process for the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance to issue licenses to commercial breeders of cats and dogs. The key provisions include: - Defining "commercial breeder" as a person possessing or maintaining 10 or more dogs or cats for the purpose of selling the offspring as companion animals. - Allowing the department to charge a licensing application fee of up to $15 per adult female dog or cat, and an annual renewal fee of up to $150. - Requiring inspections of the commercial breeding premises to ensure adequate shelter and care before issuing a license. - Prohibiting individuals with certain animal-related convictions from obtaining a license. - Authorizing fines and license revocation for violations, and requiring the department to publish an annual report on the licensing program. - Specifying that the law does not preempt local governments from adopting more stringent requirements. The bill is intended to create a statewide licensing and regulation system for commercial dog and cat breeders in Tennessee.