WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2425

Recreational Areas - As introduced, expands the purposes for which monies from the Ocoee River recreation and economic development fund may be expended by the Ocoee River recreation and economic development fund board; replaces the park manager member of the board with the director of the division of state parks. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 10 and Title 11, Chapter 8.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Howell

HB 2425 expands Ocoee River recreation fund spending purposes and replaces local park manager board representation with state parks director oversight.

H. Placed on Regular Calendar for 4/20/2026
#recreationalareas
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2425

Legislative bill overview

HB 2425 modifies the Ocoee River recreation and economic development fund by broadening the types of projects eligible for funding and restructuring the fund's governing board. Specifically, it replaces the park manager board member with the director of the division of state parks, potentially giving state government greater oversight of fund expenditures.

Why is this important

The Ocoee River area is a significant economic and recreational resource in Tennessee, and this bill affects how public money designated for its development is allocated and who makes those decisions. Changing board composition and expanding permissible uses could shift priorities between local community interests and state-level objectives, impacting regional economic development initiatives.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of expanded purposes: The bill doesn't specify what additional purposes would be permitted, raising questions about whether funds could be redirected away from recreation toward other projects
  • Board representation shift: Removing a park manager representative in favor of a state parks director could reduce local or operational expertise in favor of bureaucratic authority, potentially affecting decisions that impact ground-level park management
  • Accountability and oversight: Expanding spending authority without clear guardrails could enable less transparent fund usage, particularly if the new purposes lack specific statutory definition

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

Sign in to ask a question.