TennesseeSB 2528114th General Assembly (2025-2026)Senate

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 10 and Title 11, Chapter 8, relative to the Ocoee River.

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Recreational Areas

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Ocoee fund can back events and upgrades

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Ocoee River development fund can pay for zone infrastructure upgrades, tourism promotion, and local economic projects. The department and board can hire staff to coordinate events and contribute to nonprofit events on the river. The fund can also cover other reasonable costs, including professional services. These spends happen only after money for required purposes in current law is set aside. A simple majority of the board must approve infrastructure and other listed expenses.

New limits and transfer rules for Ocoee permits

Beginning July 1, 2026, the department can issue no more than 24 Ocoee permits. After that, when permits are revoked or not renewed, the cap steps down until only 12 remain. If you held a permit on June 30, 2024, you can transfer it with the commissioner’s written approval. You may transfer to an immediate family member, under a purchase and sale agreement, or as allowed by department rule. Immediate family means a spouse, child, stepchild, brother, sister, son‑in‑law, daughter‑in‑law, parent, or grandparent.

State Parks director joins Ocoee board

Effective July 1, 2026, the State Parks division director fills the park manager’s seat on the Ocoee board and completes that term. After that, the director serves on the board. This changes who sits on the board and does not set new rules for households or businesses.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Todd Gardenhire
Republican • Senate
Ed Jackson
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 160 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/22/2026

FLOOR VOTE: Motion to Concur House Amendment # 1 4/22/2026

Yes: 32 • No: 0

House vote • 4/21/2026

FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR AS AMENDED PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/21/2026

Yes: 87 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/9/2026

FLOOR VOTE: Motion to Adopt 3/9/2026

Yes: 32 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/4/2026

SENATE ENERGY, AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Effective date(s) 07/01/2026
5/27/2026
Pub. Ch. 981
5/27/2026
Signed by Governor.
5/19/2026Senate
Transmitted to Governor for action.
5/11/2026Senate
Signed by H. Speaker
5/7/2026House
Signed by Senate Speaker
4/30/2026Senate
Enrolled and ready for signatures
4/30/2026Senate
Concurred, Ayes 32, Nays 0 (Amendment 1 - HA0625)
4/22/2026Senate
Placed on Senate Message Calendar for 4/22/2026
4/21/2026Senate
Passed H., as am., Ayes 87, Nays 0, PNV 1
4/21/2026House
H. adopted am. (Amendment 1 - HA0625)
4/21/2026House
Subst. for comp. HB.
4/21/2026House
Sponsor(s) Added.
4/20/2026Senate
Rcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
3/12/2026House
Engrossed; ready for transmission to House
3/9/2026Senate
Passed Senate, Ayes 32, Nays 0
3/9/2026Senate
Sponsor(s) Added.
3/9/2026Senate
Placed on Senate Consent Calendar 2 for 3/9/2026
3/6/2026Senate
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
3/4/2026Senate
Placed on Senate Energy, Ag., and Nat. Resources Committee calendar for 3/4/2026
2/25/2026Senate
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Energy, Ag., and Nat. Resources Committee
2/5/2026Senate
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
2/2/2026Senate
Filed for introduction
2/2/2026Senate

Bill Text

HA0625 (Substitute)
4/21/2026
PDF
Enrolled / Public Chapter
PDF
Fiscal Note
PDF
Introduced
PDF

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