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HB 2017

Game and Fish Laws - As enacted, clarifies that local governmental entities shall not regulate the manner and means of taking wildlife, including the discharge of a firearm while lawfully hunting, and that such taking is regulated pursuant to rules promulgated and proclamations issued by the fish and wildlife commission. - Amends TCA Section 39-17-1314; Section 70-1-206 and Section 70-4-107.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Cochran

Tennessee bill grants exclusive hunting regulation authority to state Fish and Wildlife Commission, preventing local governments from restricting hunting methods or firearm discharge during lawful hunting.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 673
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Bill Summary · HB 2017

Legislative bill overview

HB 2017 clarifies that local governments cannot regulate hunting methods or firearm discharge during lawful hunting activities in Tennessee. The bill establishes that wildlife management authority rests exclusively with the state Fish and Wildlife Commission through its rules and proclamations, preempting any local ordinances on these matters.

Why is this important

This bill addresses the tension between state and local governance over hunting regulations. It prevents municipalities from imposing stricter hunting rules than state law allows, which could otherwise create a patchwork of contradictory regulations across the state and limit hunting rights in certain jurisdictions.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control advocates may argue this strips communities of authority to address safety concerns or quality-of-life issues specific to their areas, such as firearm discharge in densely populated zones
  • State preemption scope creates questions about whether local governments retain any authority over land-use restrictions that indirectly affect hunting (zoning laws, park regulations)
  • Public safety balance between hunting rights and urban/suburban residents' safety and noise concerns—the bill prioritizes hunting access over potential local safety regulations

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

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