SB2597Introduced in the Senate
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 70, relative to wildlife resources.
Introduced by Steve Southerland, District 9
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
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.
Where it stands
Effective date(s) 07/01/2026
May 4, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House votes
1 recorded vote · each counted separately
Senate votes
2 recorded votes · each counted separately
HouseStage: FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION · March 30, 2026
84
Yes
3
No
1
Absent or Not Voting
88 representatives recorded in this House vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
What do people think?
Citizen Voice
How would you vote on this bill?
An unofficial public opinion poll. It does not affect the bill or the official vote.
One response per device. Location is self-reported and not verified. Results are informal and not a scientific survey.
See how each representative voted
| Representative | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| John Crawford | 1 | Yes |
| Bud Hulsey | 2 | Yes |
| Timothy Hill | 3 | No |
| Renea Jones | 4 | Yes |
| David Hawk | 5 | Yes |
| Tim Hicks | 6 | Yes |
| Rebecca Alexander | 7 | Yes |
| Gary Hicks | 9 | Yes |
| Jeremy Faison | 11 | Yes |
| Fred Atchley | 12 | Yes |
Bill history
Filed for introduction
Sponsor change.
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Energy, Ag., and Nat. Resources Committee
Placed on Senate Energy, Ag., and Nat. Resources Committee calendar for 3/4/2026
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 8, Nays 0 PNV 0
Placed on Senate Regular Calendar for 3/16/2026
Engrossed; ready for transmission to House
Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0595)
Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 30, Nays 0
Sponsor(s) Added.
Rcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
Subst. for comp. HB.
Am. withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - HA0622)
Passed H., Ayes 84, Nays 3, PNV 1
Enrolled and ready for signatures
Signed by Senate Speaker
Signed by H. Speaker
Transmitted to Governor for action.
Signed by Governor.
Pub. Ch. 738
Effective date(s) 07/01/2026
Verify the information
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