Bill
Bill > HB2215
TN HB2215
TN HB2215AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 70, relative to wildlife resources.
summary
Introduced
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
In Committee
03/04/2026
03/04/2026
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 authorizes the executive director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) to enter into agreements with local law enforcement agencies, such as county sheriffs' departments or city police, to help enforce wildlife laws and regulations, specifically focusing on public safety issues related to human-wildlife interactions like feeding animals. These agreements will outline the specific laws local law enforcement can enforce and require them to report their actions to the TWRA. Additionally, the bill creates a new offense making it a Class B misdemeanor, a type of criminal offense punishable by fines and potentially jail time, to feed black bears in areas where the Fish and Wildlife Commission has posted signs prohibiting it, with penalties varying for knowing versus unknowing violations.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Placed on cal. Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee for 3/10/2026 (on 03/04/2026)
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2215&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/HB2215.pdf |
Loading...