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SB 561

Boats, Boating - As enacted, removes the monitoring requirement for boating safety examinations; replaces statutory fees for boating safety certificates and replacement cards with authorization for TWRA to set such fees. - Amends TCA Title 69, Chapter 9.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Tom Hatcher

Tennessee grants TWRA authority to set boating safety certificate fees and removes examination monitoring requirements, eliminating legislative fee oversight while potentially reducing testing consistency.

Pub. Ch. 214
#boating #boats
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Bill Summary · SB 561

Legislative bill overview

SB 561 modifies Tennessee's boating safety regulations by eliminating the requirement to monitor boating safety examinations and granting the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) authority to set fees for boating safety certificates and replacement cards rather than using fixed statutory fees.

Why is this important

This change affects anyone seeking a boating safety certificate in Tennessee, as TWRA can now adjust fees without legislative approval, potentially making certification costs more flexible but less predictable. The removal of examination monitoring could streamline the certification process but raises questions about quality control and consistency in safety testing.

Potential points of contention

  • Fee flexibility vs. predictability: Allowing TWRA to set fees without legislative oversight may result in unpredictable cost increases for boaters seeking certification, with no public input mechanism specified.
  • Quality assurance concerns: Eliminating monitoring requirements for examinations could reduce oversight of testing consistency, potentially lowering standards or creating variations in how different examiners administer tests.
  • Agency autonomy without guardrails: The bill grants TWRA broad authority without specifying limitations, appeals processes, or requirements for public notice of fee changes or examination standard modifications.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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