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SB 2597

Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission - As enacted, authorizes the executive director of the wildlife resources agency to enter into agreements with local law enforcement agencies for the purpose of enforcing wildlife management laws and rules; creates a criminal offense for feeding black bears under certain circumstances. - Amends TCA Title 70.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Steve Southerland

Tennessee authorizes wildlife-law enforcement partnerships and criminalizes unauthorized bear feeding in posted areas to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and safety risks.

Pub. Ch. 738
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Bill Summary · SB 2597

Legislative bill overview

SB 2597 authorizes Tennessee's wildlife agency director to formalize enforcement partnerships with local law enforcement for wildlife law compliance and establishes a Class B misdemeanor for feeding black bears in posted areas. The bill amends state wildlife statutes to strengthen bear management enforcement mechanisms.

Why is this important

Black bear populations have expanded in Tennessee, increasing human-wildlife conflicts in residential areas. Unauthorized feeding attracts bears to populated zones, creating public safety hazards and costly wildlife interventions. Formalizing enforcement partnerships and creating criminal penalties aims to reduce these incidents through legal deterrence and coordinated response.

Potential points of contention

  • Local law enforcement resource burden: Partnerships may strain already-stretched local police departments without accompanying funding provisions for training or enforcement activities
  • Enforcement equity concerns: Class B misdemeanor charges could disproportionately affect low-income rural residents unfamiliar with regulations or unable to read posted signage in remote areas
  • Signage requirements and fairness: The bill's effectiveness depends on "notice has been posted," raising questions about adequate notification in remote or transitional areas where residents may not see warnings before violating the law

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

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