Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency adjusts boating safety fees to online certification requirements

The Tennessee Joint Committee on Government Operations convened on June 18, 2025, to review several proposed rule changes, primarily concerning boater education fees and wildlife resource management.

The meeting commenced with a discussion led by Deputy Director Frank Fiss and Executive Director Jason Maxidon regarding an emergency rule to transition the existing $10 fee for the boater safety education exam certificate from statute to rule. This adjustment, mandated by Public Chapter 214, allows for online examination options while maintaining the in-person option. Committee members raised questions about the implications for the licensing app, confirming that no changes would affect its functionality.

The committee then addressed concerns about the fee structure, with members seeking assurance that the fee would not increase beyond the current amount. It was clarified that the maximum fee could rise to $15, but no immediate changes were proposed.

Next, the committee reviewed a proposed fee increase for boat registration, which had not been adjusted since 2019. Blair Beatty from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency explained that the fees would increase by 22% to align with the consumer price index. For instance, the registration fee for boats over 16 feet would rise from $29 to $35 for one year. Beatty noted that public feedback had been largely supportive, with some suggesting even higher increases to enhance law enforcement presence on waterways.

Concerns were voiced by committee members regarding the potential impact of fee increases on participation in hunting and fishing activities, particularly for families on fixed incomes. Some members expressed a desire for a more sustainable funding model for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, suggesting that a portion of sales tax revenue could be allocated to support wildlife management efforts.

Despite the concerns, the committee ultimately voted in favor of the proposed fee adjustments, moving them forward with positive recommendations from both the House and Senate. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore sustainable funding solutions for wildlife management in Tennessee, reflecting the ongoing dialogue about balancing resource management with public accessibility.