Bill > SB0755

This bill amends Tennessee's statutes to rename and expand the existing Tennessee Agricultural Hall of Fame to the Tennessee Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame, creating a more comprehensive board and updating its governance structure. The new board will consist of nine members representing various agricultural and forestry organizations, including the Commissioner of Agriculture, university representatives, Farm Bureau Federation president, and FFA State Director, with additional members appointed from different geographic regions of Tennessee. The bill extends the board's scope to include forestry achievements and establishes more detailed procedures for board membership, including staggered six-year terms and specific qualifications for appointed members. Importantly, the bill maintains the existing eligibility requirement that a nominee must be deceased for at least five years before induction, and continues to require that inductees have made significant contributions to agriculture or forestry in Tennessee. The legislation ensures a smooth transition by transferring existing assets, liabilities, and procedures from the old board to the new one, with the changes taking full effect on July 1, 2025, while allowing immediate administrative preparations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0755&ga=114