Please check in weekly for the TWF Legislative Bill Review.  Please direct any questions to Mike Butler at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Bills that TWF Supports

HB0696 by McCord / SB0905 by Ketron

Makes all TWRA Commission appointments equal in term length (6-year term) and prevents any commissioner from serving consecutive terms.

House Status:  Passed Unanimously - Signed by H. Speaker
Senate Status:  Passed Unanimously - Signed by S. Speaker
Signed by Governor

HB0145 by McDonald / SB0135 by Jackson

Requires land managed by TWRA to be open to access and use for recreational hunting, and that agency land management actions relative to such land not result in any net loss of available acreage for hunting opportunities.

House Status:  Passed Unanimously - Signed by H. Speaker
Senate Status:  Passed Unanimously - Signed by S. Speaker
Signed by Governor

HB0704 by McCord / SB1006 by Jackson

Makes processing of deer meat and carcasses subject to provisions of "Tennessee Meat and Poultry Inspection Act."

House Status:  Passed Unanimously - Signed by H. Speaker
Senate Status:  Passed Unanimously - Signed by S. Speaker
Signed by Governor

HB0892 by McCord / SB1667 by Jackson

Prohibits person who enters lands of another for hunting or fishing purposes from causing any damage to the property through such person's actions; penalty is a Class C misdemeanor and possible revocation of license; and authorizes wildlife resources agency to promulgate rules and regulations to establish private lands incentive programs to encourage voluntary property access for hunting and fishing purposes

House Status:  Up for hearing in Judiciary Committee
Senate Status: Passed Unanimously - Signed by Senate Speaker, Held on House desk

HB1159 by Buck / SB0726 by Jackson

Authorizes a 501(c)(3) non-profit wildlife conservation organization to sell or transfer an elk-take permit issued by the executive director of TWRA pursuant to rules promulgated by the Wildlife Resources Commission; proceeds of the sale will be used for the elk program

House Status:  Passed Unanimously - Signed by H. Speaker
Senate Status:  Passed Unanimously - Signed by S. Speaker
Signed by Governor

HJR0108

Adds provisions establishing the right to hunt, fish, and harvest game subject to reasonable rules and regulations; establishes standard for reviewing such rules and regulations.

House Status:  Passed House Unanimously 92-0 - ready for Senate consideration

Bills Opposed by TWF

HB0091 by Borchert / SB0396 by Kilby

Authorizes unlimited taking of catfish greater than 34" in length

House Status:  Defeated in Wildlife Sub of House Con 3-3 vote 

HB1864 by Watson / SB2290 by Bunch

Permits hunting or taking deer or wild boar in season using buckshot numbers 1-0, 00, or 000 with written permission on private property in Polk County

House Status:  Action deferred
Senate Status: Action deferred

HB0623 by Turner / SB1434 by Flinn

Removes authority of wildlife resources commission to promulgate rules and regulations to adjust fees for licenses and permits for commercial fishing and musseling and wholesale fish and mussel dealers

House Status:  Action deferred
Senate Status: Action deferred

HB2181 by Hackworth / SB2299 by McNally

Lowers hunting and fishing licensing fees for nonresident family members of persons with a lifetime sportsman license

House Status:  WIldlife Subcommittee of House Con for 3-27-2007
Senate Status:  Assigned to General Subcommittee

Bills of Concern to TWF

HB0255 by Odom/ SB0136 by Ketron

Adds swine to list of animals for which it is a Class E felony to own, train, or use for fighting for the purpose of amusement, sport, or gain

Under Review by TWF

HB1875 by McDonald / SB1566 by Herron

Prohibits hunting with a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or any intoxicant, drug, or drug producing stimulant.

House Status: No Action - filed for intro
Senate Status: Passed Unanimously

HB1155 by Buck / SB0419 by Jackson

Authorizes the Wildlife Resources Commission to charge persons holding a sportsman license a non-refundable fee for draw elk-take permits and other permits designated by the commission as special hunt permits

House Status:  No Action
Senate Status: Withdrawn

HB0703 by McCord / SB0037 by Jackson

Earmarks sales tax from hunting and fishing equipment for the wildlife resources fund. - Amends TCA Title 67 and Title 70

House Status: No Action
Senate Status: General Subcommittee

HB0966 by Overby / SB1203 by Southerland

Provides that veterans with 30 percent or more service-connected disability, instead of more restrictive 30 percent or more combat-related disability, are eligible for free sport fishing and hunting license

House Status:  Action deferred
Senate Status: General Subcommittee

HB0132 byBell / SB0053 by Finney

Authorizes persons with handgun carry permits to possess firearms in all public hunting areas, refuges, wildlife management areas, and national forests managed by the state

House Status:  Budget Subcommittee of F,W, &M
Senate Status: Passed Senate

HB1128 by Buck / SB1642

Requires wildlife resources agency and license agents to provide voter registration-by-mail application forms to hunting, fishing, or sportsman's license applicants 18 years of age and older

House Status: Government Operation Committee
Senate Status: General Subcommittee

HB0050 by Turner SB0401 by Kilby

Authorizes person with handgun permit to carry handgun while big game bowhunting.

House Status: Taken off notice
Senate Status: None

HB0860 by Baird / SB1076 by McNally

Deletes authority for state agencies to permit additional use of off-highway vehicles in TWRA wildlife management areas or refuges, state forests, state parks, and state natural areas by promulgating rules and regulations

House Status:  No action
Senate Status: General Subcommittee of Transportation Committee

HB0329 by Tidwell / SB0543 by Kurita