All Roll Calls
Yes: 122 • No: 3
TennesseeSB 2597114th General Assembly (2025-2026)SenateWALLET
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 70, relative to wildlife resources.
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New penalties for feeding black bears
Beginning July 1, 2026, the law bans feeding black bears in areas designated by the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission. Knowingly feeding a bear there is a Class B misdemeanor with a fine of at least $250. Unknowingly feeding a bear by knowingly leaving food or garbage unsecured and accessible to bears is also a Class B misdemeanor. For that unknowing feeding, the first offense brings a written warning; later offenses bring fines of at least $250. These minimum fines do not include court costs or fees. The law applies only to acts or failures to act on or after July 1, 2026.
Local police can enforce wildlife safety rules
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency can make enforcement agreements with local law enforcement agencies. These agreements cover only public-safety concerns involving people and wildlife, such as feeding wildlife. Each agreement must list the wildlife laws, rules, or commission orders that local officers can enforce. Local agencies must regularly report citation details, offense facts, and final case outcomes to the agency’s director or designee. The agreements do not expand local agencies’ jurisdiction.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
Janice Bowling
Republican • Senate
Jessie Seal
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/30/2026
FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 3/30/2026
Yes: 84 • No: 3
Senate vote • 3/16/2026
FLOOR VOTE: as Amended Third Consideration 3/16/2026
Yes: 30 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/4/2026
SENATE ENERGY, AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Yes: 8 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Effective date(s) 07/01/2026
5/4/2026Pub. Ch. 738
5/4/2026Signed by Governor.
4/14/2026SenateTransmitted to Governor for action.
4/2/2026SenateSigned by H. Speaker
4/2/2026HouseSigned by Senate Speaker
4/1/2026SenateEnrolled and ready for signatures
4/1/2026SenatePassed H., Ayes 84, Nays 3, PNV 1
3/30/2026HouseAm. withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - HA0622)
3/30/2026HouseSubst. for comp. HB.
3/30/2026HouseRcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
3/19/2026HouseSponsor(s) Added.
3/16/2026SenatePassed Senate as amended, Ayes 30, Nays 0
3/16/2026SenateSenate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0595)
3/16/2026SenateEngrossed; ready for transmission to House
3/16/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Regular Calendar for 3/16/2026
3/13/2026SenateRecommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 8, Nays 0 PNV 0
3/4/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Energy, Ag., and Nat. Resources Committee calendar for 3/4/2026
2/25/2026SenatePassed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Energy, Ag., and Nat. Resources Committee
2/5/2026SenateIntroduced, Passed on First Consideration
2/2/2026SenateSponsor change.
2/2/2026SenateFiled for introduction
2/2/2026Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled / Public Chapter
Fiscal Note
HA0622
Introduced
SA0595
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