Bill > SB2597

This bill authorizes the executive director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to enter into agreements with local law enforcement agencies, such as county sheriffs or city police, to help enforce wildlife laws and rules, specifically focusing on public safety issues related to human-wildlife interactions like feeding animals or encounters that could pose a danger, and these agreements require local agencies to report their enforcement actions. Additionally, the bill creates a new criminal offense making it illegal to feed black bears in areas designated by the Fish and Wildlife Commission as prohibited for bear feeding, with penalties ranging from a written warning for a first-time unintentional offense to a fine of at least $250 for subsequent offenses or intentional violations, classifying these offenses as Class B misdemeanors.