SB2597

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

Complete·5/4/26

SB2597 amends Tennessee wildlife laws to allow local law enforcement to assist in enforcement and adds penalties for feeding black bears.

SB2597 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 70, to allow the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to enter into agreements with local law enforcement agencies to assist in enforcing wildlife laws, particularly those related to public safety and human-wildlife interactions. These agreements require local agencies to report when they exercise enforcement authority under the agreement. Additionally, the bill adds a new offense for knowingly feeding black bears in areas where such feeding is prohibited by the commission, with fines of at least $250 for violations.

Included in complete analysis

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

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Sponsors

0
3
RRR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

84 Yea

DRDRDDRRRDRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDRRRRRDRDDRRRDDRDRRRRDRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDRRRRRDDRRRRRRDDRRD

3 Nay

DDR

1 Not Voting

D

Calendar

Mar 4

8:30 AM

Senate Government Operations Hearing

History

May 4

Pub. Ch. 738

May 4

Effective date(s) 07/01/2026

Apr 14

Senate

Signed by Governor.