Committee advances paddlesports pilot after contested testimony over ramp access and fees

House Bill 1149, as amended, was advanced by the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee after a contentious exchange between commercial paddlesports operators and fishing and conservation advocates over whether the bill would limit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's ability to manage conflicts at boat ramps.

The bill establishes a Department of Revenue pilot to track sales-tax revenue from a defined list of paddlesports items and authorizes a voluntary contribution mechanism by commercial paddlesports operators (described in testimony as an industry offer of $0.42 per put-in) to help the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) maintain and operate public boat ramps. The amendment includes a two-year restriction preventing TWRA from adjusting the contribution in rulemaking during the pilot.

Sponsor Representative Andy Butler described the measure as a way to make commercial paddlesports operators pay into ramp upkeep: "They've come to the table and offered to invest 42¢ for every time a kayak or a canoe gets put in the water...so TWRA will be able to maintain and police the ramps," he said. The amendment narrows the contribution language and adds a two-year sunset on TWRA's restriction.

Representatives of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation and a fly-shop owner urged the committee to preserve TWRA's authority to manage ramps to avoid user conflicts. Horace Tipton of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation warned that the bill, as drafted, could tie TWRA's hands and prevent targeted local solutions for differing river conditions: "We do read this as potentially prioritizing one group's access over another by not allowing TWRA specifically to restrict commercial paddle craft operators," he said. Fly-shop owner Blake Parsons said commercial overcrowding has already affected his business and argued that TWRA oversight is funded in large part by anglers and should remain robust.

Representative Butler said TWRA was neutral on the legislation and that the bill does not give priority parking or ramp access to commercial operators. He and proponents said the pilot will provide better revenue data and a voluntary industry contribution to maintain ramps used by all river users.

The committee accepted testimony from industry representatives who said the pilot will help quantify the state's collection from paddlesports items and allow commercial operators to invest in ramp maintenance rather than pay traditional fees. Opponents said the language allowing TWRA restrictions to be limited could reduce the agency's ability to regulate ramp access and resolve conflicts among anglers, boaters and commercial outfitters.

The bill passed on a roll-call vote of 8 ayes, 6 nays and 1 present not voting, and moves to Finance, Ways and Means. TWRA and industry groups said they have discussed the measure informally; several conservation and angling groups urged changes to preserve local management options and to ensure parking and ramp regulation remain balanced for all users.