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Bill > SB2597
TN SB2597
TN SB2597AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 70, relative to wildlife resources.
summary
Introduced
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
114th General Assembly
Bill Summary
As introduced, 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 Class B misdemeanor for feeding black bears in areas for which notice has been posted that feeding black bears is unlawful. - Amends TCA Title 70.
AI Summary
This bill allows the executive director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to make agreements with local law enforcement agencies, such as county sheriffs or city police, to help enforce wildlife laws and rules, particularly concerning public safety issues like feeding wildlife or interactions that could be dangerous. These agreements must clearly define what specific wildlife laws local officers can enforce and require them to report when they use this authority. Additionally, the bill makes it a Class B misdemeanor, a type of criminal offense, to feed black bears in areas where it has been officially prohibited by the Fish and Wildlife Commission, with penalties including fines, though a first-time unintentional offense might result in a warning.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 8, Nays 0 PNV 0 (on 03/04/2026)
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=SB2597&ga=114 |
| Amendment 1-0 to SB2597 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Amend/SA0595.pdf |
| Fiscal Memo for SA0595 (13844) | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/FM1818.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - HB2215 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/HB2215.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/SB2597.pdf |
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