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SB 558

Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission - As enacted, authorizes the commission to regulate the operation of sport shooting ranges rather than firing ranges; authorizes the Tennessee wildlife resources agency to establish fees for the use of such ranges in operation prior to July 1, 1998. - Amends TCA Title 70.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee transfers sport shooting range regulation from local to state control and authorizes fee collection from pre-1998 ranges to fund wildlife management.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 203
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Bill Summary · SB 558

Legislative bill overview

SB 558 transfers regulatory authority over sport shooting ranges from local governments to the Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission and authorizes the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to collect fees from sport shooting ranges that were operating before July 1, 1998. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 70, which governs wildlife and natural resources.

Why is this important

This legislation centralizes control over shooting range operations under state authority rather than local jurisdiction, potentially creating uniform standards across Tennessee. It also establishes a new revenue stream for the Wildlife Resources Agency through user fees, which could fund conservation and wildlife management programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Local vs. state control: Communities may object to losing local regulatory authority over facilities within their jurisdictions
  • Fee structure and burden: Established ranges face new mandatory fees, which could be viewed as a tax increase on existing operations and could affect shooting sports accessibility
  • Grandfather clause scope: The limitation to ranges operating before July 1, 1998 creates a cutoff that may appear arbitrary to newer facilities or raise questions about selective application

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

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