Bill > HB0024

This bill amends Tennessee's wildlife resource laws by upgrading the penalties for certain wildlife-related offenses from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class B misdemeanor. Specifically, the bill increases the potential punishment for removing a wild animal, wild fowl, or fish while trespassing on land. The changes apply to two subsections of Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 70-4-106, which deals with wildlife violations. Under the new provisions, violators can be fined up to $500 for each offense, and the court may also have the discretion to revoke the offender's hunting or fishing license. The revoked license must be surrendered to the court and can become part of the prosecution record. These changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date. The primary intent appears to be strengthening legal consequences for wildlife-related trespassing and unauthorized removal of animals, potentially serving as a deterrent to such activities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0024&ga=114