WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2138

Public Funds and Financing - As introduced, requires that 10 percent of the payments paid to or retained by the state from the Tennessee valley authority in lieu of taxes be allocated to the wildlife resources fund and used for boating and wildlife resources purposes. - Amends TCA Title 11; Title 67; Title 69 and Title 70.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Pat Marsh

Bill requires Tennessee allocate 10% of TVA payments to Wildlife Resources Fund for boating and wildlife management, reducing discretionary state revenue.

Taken off notice for cal in s/c Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee of Finance, Ways, and Means Committee
#publicfundsandfinancing
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2138

Legislative bill overview

HB 2138 requires Tennessee to allocate 10 percent of payments received from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in lieu of taxes to the Wildlife Resources Fund specifically for boating and wildlife resource management. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee Code Annotated governing public funds and financing across four titles.

Why is this important

TVA payments represent significant revenue to the state, and redirecting even 10 percent of this funding could meaningfully impact wildlife and boating infrastructure development or maintenance. This represents a mandatory budget reallocation that prioritizes outdoor recreation and conservation spending over other potential uses of general TVA revenue.

Potential points of contention

  • Budget flexibility: Requiring dedicated allocation of TVA funds reduces legislative discretion in annual budgeting and may conflict with other state priorities during economic downturns
  • TVA payment stability: TVA payments can fluctuate; a fixed percentage obligation could create budgeting uncertainty for both general funds and the wildlife program
  • Scope definition: "Boating and wildlife resources purposes" may be ambiguously defined, potentially leading to disputes over eligible expenditures and program administration

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

Sign in to ask a question.