WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 891

Game and Fish Laws - As introduced, requires, by January 15 of each year, the office of the governor to submit a report to legislative committees with subject matter jurisdiction over natural resources detailing all such lands and waters set apart and dedicated by the governor for wildlife preserves, including the limits fixed of the lands and waters for such state wildlife preserves. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 8; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 43; Title 44; Title 55; Title 64; Title 67; Title 69 and Title 70.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Requires Tennessee's governor to submit annual reports detailing all state wildlife preserves, boundaries, and dedicated lands to improve legislative oversight of executive conservation decisions.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Energy, Ag., and Nat. Resources Committee
#gameandfishlaws
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 891

Legislative bill overview

SB 891 requires Tennessee's governor's office to submit an annual report to relevant legislative committees by January 15 detailing all state wildlife preserves, their boundaries, and dedicated lands and waters. The bill amends multiple Tennessee code titles to establish this reporting requirement and clarify related statutory provisions.

Why is this important

This bill creates legislative oversight of executive decisions regarding wildlife preserve designations, which can affect land use, public access, hunting and fishing regulations, and conservation priorities. The reporting requirement ensures lawmakers have transparent, documented information about how much state land is being set aside for wildlife management and under what terms.

Potential points of contention

  • Executive authority vs. legislative oversight: Governors may view mandatory reporting as constraining discretionary authority to establish preserves; legislators may see it as necessary accountability
  • Implementation costs and burden: The annual compilation and submission of detailed preserve information requires staff resources and administrative procedures
  • Scope and definition issues: The bill's amendments across 12 Tennessee code titles suggest potential conflicts or ambiguities about what constitutes a "wildlife preserve" and what boundaries must be reported
  • Access and transparency trade-offs: Detailed public reporting of preserve locations and boundaries could affect conservation goals if sensitive ecosystems or endangered species locations are disclosed

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

Sign in to ask a question.