WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2499

Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission - As introduced, decreases from 48 hours to 24 hours the time within which an injury requiring medical attention that is caused by captive wildlife must be reported to the Tennessee wildlife resources agency. - Amends TCA Title 39; Title 44 and Title 70.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Kip Capley

Tennessee reduces mandatory injury reporting deadline for captive wildlife incidents from 48 to 24 hours to accelerate agency investigation and public health response.

Action def. in Calendar & Rules Committee to Next Avail. Cal.
#tennesseefish&wildlifecommission
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2499

Legislative bill overview

HB 2499 accelerates the mandatory reporting timeline for injuries caused by captive wildlife from 48 hours to 24 hours. The bill requires handlers of captive animals to notify the Tennessee wildlife resources agency more quickly when incidents result in injuries requiring medical attention.

Why is this important

Faster reporting enables quicker public health response, animal welfare investigations, and facility compliance enforcement. It also establishes clearer accountability for captive wildlife operations and may help prevent repeat incidents at problem facilities.

Potential points of contention

  • Burden on facilities: The tighter timeline could be operationally challenging for small wildlife sanctuaries, zoos, or educational programs, particularly for incidents occurring outside business hours or in remote locations
  • Definition clarity: The bill doesn't clearly define what constitutes "medical attention" or how minor injuries versus serious ones are distinguished, potentially creating compliance uncertainty
  • Enforcement mechanism: There's no specified penalty structure or enforcement methodology outlined, raising questions about how violations will be handled and whether the agency has adequate resources

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

Sign in to ask a question.