HB2215

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 70, relative to wildlife resources.

Complete·5/4/26

Tennessee HB2215 amends wildlife laws to prohibit feeding black bears in certain areas and outlines enforcement agreements with local law enforcement.

Tennessee HB2215 amends Title 70 of the Tennessee Code Annotated to prohibit feeding black bears in areas where the wildlife commission has banned such activity. Violators face a Class B misdemeanor charge, with fines starting at $250. The bill also mandates agreements between local law enforcement and the commission to assist with public safety issues related to human-wildlife interactions, including feeding black bears. These agreements must specify the laws and rules enforced and require regular reporting on citations issued. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

See what it does, who it affects, and the critical issues in plain language. Free, 30 seconds.

Sponsors

0
3
RRR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

27 Yea

DDRRRRRRDRRDRRDDRRDRRRRRRRR

0 Nay

History

May 4

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 738

Mar 30

House

Comp. SB subst.

Mar 30

House

Sponsor(s) Added.