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SB 1808

Boats, Boating - As introduced, urges the department of transportation, in consultation with the department of revenue, to study the potential impact on transportation infrastructure needs of requiring personal trailers used for the transportation of boats to be registered in this state; requires the department of transportation to report to the chairs of the transportation and safety committee of the senate and the committee in the house of representatives having jurisdiction over transportation on or before January 1, 2027, if such study is conducted. - Amends TCA Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 5; Title 55 and Title 69.

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

Tennessee directs transportation department to study whether requiring personal boat trailer registration would impact infrastructure needs, reporting findings by January 2027.

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/20/2026
#boating #boats
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Bill Summary · SB 1808

Legislative bill overview

SB 1808 directs Tennessee's Department of Transportation to study whether requiring registration of personal boat trailers would impact state transportation infrastructure needs. The department must consult with the Department of Revenue and submit findings to legislative committees by January 1, 2027. The bill modifies provisions under Tennessee Code related to transportation and revenue.

Why is this important

Boat trailer registration could generate new state revenue and potentially improve infrastructure funding, but it also represents a new regulatory burden on boat owners. The study phase allows policymakers to assess fiscal impact and infrastructure benefits before implementing any registration requirement, affecting both recreational boaters and the state budget.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue vs. burden: Whether modest registration fees justify administrative costs and inconvenience to recreational boaters and small businesses
  • Infrastructure justification: Whether boat trailers meaningfully damage roads compared to other vehicles, or if this is primarily a revenue-raising measure
  • Compliance complexity: How registration would be enforced and whether out-of-state boaters would be affected, potentially impacting tourism

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

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