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SB 1725

Boats, Boating - As enacted, creates the Class C misdemeanor offense of mooring a recreational vessel for more than 14 consecutive days at any one place along the water's edge of a reservoir or at any place within one mile of the water's edge; makes other related revisions. - Amends TCA Title 69, Chapter 9.

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

Tennessee bill criminalizes mooring recreational boats for over 14 consecutive days near reservoirs, affecting liveaboard boaters and vessel-based housing options.

Signed by Governor.
#boating #boats
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Bill Summary · SB 1725

Legislative bill overview

SB 1725 creates a Class C misdemeanor offense in Tennessee for mooring a recreational vessel for more than 14 consecutive days at the same location along a reservoir's water's edge or within one mile of it. The bill passed the Tennessee Senate unanimously and is now moving to the House after incorporating one amendment.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects recreational boaters and liveaboard vessel communities by criminalizing long-term mooring practices that may currently be common or tolerated. It reflects a policy choice about how states manage public water resources and could impact lifestyle choices, residency options, and boating access for lower-income individuals who use vessels as housing.

Potential points of contention

  • Housing and economic impact: The law may restrict or criminalize liveaboard boaters and those using vessels as primary residences, raising questions about whether mooring restrictions constitute de facto housing policy
  • Enforcement and fairness: A 14-day limit is relatively short; enforcement mechanisms and whether the law applies uniformly across public vs. private reservoirs remain unclear
  • Purpose and necessity: The bill doesn't explicitly state the rationale (water safety, environmental protection, aesthetics, property management), making it unclear whether less restrictive alternatives were considered

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

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