Bill > HB1786

This bill establishes new rules for mooring recreational vessels on reservoirs managed by federal agencies in Tennessee, defining "moor" as securing a vessel with lines or anchors, and "recreational vessel" as one primarily used for non-commercial purposes. It prohibits mooring a recreational vessel for more than 14 consecutive days at any single spot along the water's edge of a reservoir or within one mile of it, as well as establishing temporary moorage within navigation channels of the Tennessee River system or blocking boating access with mooring lines. Violating these provisions is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, a minor criminal offense. However, these restrictions do not apply if the vessel has a permit for permanent or extended mooring under federal law, or if it is secured at a marina or other designated docking facility. The bill also defines "reservoir" as a federally managed water basin created by a dam and "Tennessee River system" as the river and its federally managed tributaries. This legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.