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SB 964

Boats, Boating - As introduced, prohibits certain activities, such as fishing, near public boat launches, docks, boats, and marinas so as to interfere with the use of such facilities. - Amends TCA Title 67; Title 68, Chapter 102, Part 6; Title 69 and Title 70.

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

Protect public boating facilities by prohibiting activities that impede use and creating a fee-based regulatory framework for nonmotorized vessels and commercial paddle craft opera

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Energy, Ag., and Nat. Resources Committee
#boating #boats
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Bill Summary · SB 964

Summary of Bill: SB 964 / HB 1149 (Tennessee, 114th General Assembly)

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes rules to protect public boat launches, docks, boats, marinas, and related facilities from activities that interfere with their use.
  • Adds penalties for activities such as fishing, swimming, or other actions that obstruct access or damage facilities.
  • In amended form, creates a revenue and regulatory framework around nonmotorized vessels (NMVs) and commercial paddle craft operations, including ramp use fees and reporting requirements.

Key Provisions

Interference with Public Access Areas (Original bill language)

  • Amends Tenn. Code Annotated Title 69-9-216 by adding subsection (h):
    • Prohibits activities, including fishing, that inhibit the use of a public access area or launch area beyond customary launching/retrieval times.
    • Prohibits swimming, fishing, or other activities that interfere with the use of a dock or cause damage to a dock, boat, or marina.
  • Violations are subject to penalties under § 69-9-219 (Class C misdemeanor as described in subsequent amendments).

Effective Date

  • Takes effect July 1, 2025.

Amended Provisions (as reflected in the Fiscal Memorandum)

New Requirements (effective October 1, 2025)

  • Retailers must annually report to the Department of Revenue (DOR) the sales of nonmotorized vessels (NMVs) and related paddle-sports equipment (e.g., kayaks, canoes, paddles, life jackets, roof racks, etc.).

Commercial Paddle Craft Operators and TWRA Boat Ramps

  • Commercial paddle craft operators using TWRA boat ramps must pay a fee of $0.42 per single use of an NMV at an agency ramp.
    • A “single use” means launching or retrieving a vessel, or both.
  • TWRA must issue a parking pass (vehicle/trailer stickers) upon payment of the fee.
  • TWRA may not increase or impose additional costs, restrictions, or requirements related to the operator’s parking pass or annual permit through June 30, 2027.
  • Violations: If a commercial paddle craft operator fails to obtain a permit or remit the fee, the operator faces a $1,000 fine and is barred from renewing the permit unless the operator provides proof within 60 days that the violation has been corrected; TWRA can waive the fine and permit renewal if correction is verified.

Fees and Revenue Assumptions (Fiscal Analysis)

  • Estimated annual revenue to TWRA from the $0.42 per-use fee: about $159,400 (FY25-26 onward).
  • Parking sticker production costs are assumed to be offset by the fee revenue.
  • Some unknowns exist regarding foregone revenue from prohibiting other fees on commercial paddle operators; impact not quantified.
  • Exempts certain operators using the Ocoee River ramps.

Affected Parties

  • Public: Users of public access areas, docks, launches, and marinas (criminal penalties for interfering activities).
  • Retailers: Businesses selling NMVs and paddle-sports equipment (new annual reporting to DOR).
  • Commercial paddle craft operators: Subject to ramp-use fees and permit requirements; affected by penalties for noncompliance.
  • Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA): Responsible for ramp administration, parking pass issuance, and enforcement related to the new fee and permit system.
  • Department of Revenue (DOR): Receives new annual NMV and equipment sales data from retailers.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • July 1, 2025: Original interference provisions take effect.
  • October 1, 2025: Retailer reporting to DOR on NMV and paddle-sports equipment sales begins.
  • June 30, 2027: Cap on additional costs/requirements for TWRA parking passes and annual permits (no further increases during this period).
  • Ongoing: Fee collection by TWRA; penalties for nonpayment/permits; potential waiver process for violators provided in the amended text.

Fiscal Impact (Summary)

  • State Government: Net revenue to TWRA from the proposed $0.42 NMV ramp-use fee estimated at around $159,400 (FY25-26 and subsequent years).
  • Administrative costs: Likely offset by fee revenue for parking stickers; retailer reporting to DOR adds administrative tasks to DOR.
  • Net fiscal effect for foregone revenue due to prohibition of other charges is unknown.

Bottom Line

SB 964 / HB 1149 seeks to:
- Protect public boating facilities from activities that impede their use and can cause damage.
- Introduce a regulatory framework for NMVs and paddle sports, including retailer reporting to DOR and a monthly/annual fee structure for commercial paddle craft operators using state ramps.
- Establish enforcement mechanisms with penalties for noncompliance, while providing a limited protective window (through mid-2027) on ramp-related charges.

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

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