WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2215

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 Fred Atchley

Tennessee bill authorizes wildlife agency partnerships with local law enforcement to enforce wildlife laws and criminalizes bear feeding in posted areas as a Class B misdemeanor.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 738
#tennesseefish&wildlifecommission
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2215

Legislative bill overview

HB 2215 grants Tennessee's wildlife agency executive director authority to partner with local law enforcement for enforcing wildlife laws and establishes a Class B misdemeanor penalty for feeding black bears in posted areas. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 70, which governs fish and wildlife regulations.

Why is this important

Black bear populations in Tennessee have grown significantly, increasing human-wildlife conflicts in residential areas. Unauthorized feeding of bears habituates them to human food sources, making them more dangerous and costly to manage. This legislation provides enforcement tools and creates legal deterrents to reduce problem bear behavior before it escalates to removal or public safety incidents.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement burden: Placing misdemeanor enforcement responsibility on local law enforcement agencies may strain limited resources in rural counties already managing other priorities
  • Penalty severity: A Class B misdemeanor carries jail time and fines; some argue this is disproportionate for unintentional or first-time feeding incidents, particularly if signage is unclear
  • Local law enforcement authority: The bill doesn't specify funding, training requirements, or liability protections for officers enforcing wildlife-specific statutes, creating potential implementation gaps

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

Sign in to ask a question.