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TennesseeSB 1725114th General Assembly (2025-2026)Senate

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 69, Chapter 9, relative to the moorage of vessels.

Sponsored By: Tom Hatcher (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Boats, Boating

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Permit holders exempt from 14-day limit

Beginning July 1, 2026, the 14-day mooring limit does not apply if your recreational boat has a federal permit for permanent or extended mooring. This exception covers only the 14-day rule. It does not excuse mooring in navigation channels or blocking access.

Criminal charge for breaking mooring rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, breaking the mooring rules in parts (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) is a Class C misdemeanor. This covers staying over 14 days in one spot, mooring in navigation channels, or blocking access with mooring lines.

New limits on recreational boat mooring

Beginning July 1, 2026, recreational boat operators face new mooring limits on reservoirs and the Tennessee River system. You cannot keep a boat moored in the same spot for more than 14 straight days along a reservoir’s water edge or within one mile of that edge. You cannot set temporary moorage inside primary or secondary navigation channels. You must not place mooring lines that block or hinder boating access anywhere on a reservoir.

What boats and waters these rules cover

Beginning July 1, 2026, key terms are defined. "Moor" means securing a recreational boat with lines or anchors. A "recreational vessel" is a boat made or used mainly for noncommercial use, including leased, rented, or chartered for noncommercial use. A "reservoir" is a dammed basin under a federal agency’s control. The "Tennessee River system" includes any part of the river or its tributaries managed by a federal agency. These terms decide which boats and waters the rules cover.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Tom Hatcher

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Paul Bailey

    Republican • Senate

  • Janice Bowling

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 112 • No: 15

House vote • 3/30/2026

FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 3/30/2026

Yes: 71 • No: 15

Senate vote • 3/16/2026

FLOOR VOTE: as Amended Third Consideration 3/16/2026

Yes: 32 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/11/2026

SENATE ENERGY, AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor.

    4/14/2026Senate

  2. Signed by H. Speaker

    4/2/2026House

  3. Transmitted to Governor for action.

    4/2/2026Senate

  4. Enrolled and ready for signatures

    4/1/2026Senate

  5. Signed by Senate Speaker

    4/1/2026Senate

  6. Subst. for comp. HB.

    3/30/2026House

  7. Am. withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - HA0778)

    3/30/2026House

  8. Passed H., Ayes 71, Nays 15, PNV 7

    3/30/2026House

  9. Rcvd. from S., held on H. desk.

    3/19/2026House

  10. Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0695)

    3/16/2026Senate

  11. Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 32, Nays 0

    3/16/2026Senate

  12. Engrossed; ready for transmission to House

    3/16/2026Senate

  13. Sponsor(s) Added.

    3/16/2026Senate

  14. Placed on Senate Regular Calendar for 3/16/2026

    3/13/2026Senate

  15. Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 9, Nays 0 PNV 0

    3/11/2026Senate

  16. Placed on Senate Energy, Ag., and Nat. Resources Committee calendar for 3/11/2026

    3/5/2026Senate

  17. Action deferred in Senate Energy, Ag., and Nat. Resources Committee to 3/11/2026

    3/4/2026Senate

  18. Placed on Senate Energy, Ag., and Nat. Resources Committee calendar for 3/4/2026

    2/25/2026Senate

  19. Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Energy, Ag., and Nat. Resources Committee

    1/22/2026Senate

  20. Introduced, Passed on First Consideration

    1/21/2026Senate

  21. Filed for introduction

    1/15/2026Senate

Bill Text

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