Senate committee advances four-year extension for Tennessee Fish and Wildlife, members press for funding relief
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Summary
SB15 54, extending the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission to 06/30/2030, was advanced by the Government Operations Committee (9 ayes). Executive Director Jason Maxedon told senators two audit findings have been resolved; members probed reimbursement for field assistance and the agency’s $10 million pay-raise shortfall.
The Senate Government Operations Committee voted unanimously to advance SB15 54, a four-year extension for the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s governance, after agency leaders reported resolved audit findings and detailed budget pressures.
Jason Maxedon, executive director for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, told the committee TWRA repurposed an audit director position and resolved two audit findings. “We had 2 findings and both of those have been resolved, sir,” he said.
Why it matters: Senators praised TWRA’s community services — disaster response, assistance at accidents and major events — but pressed officials about how the agency funds those activities and how statewide pay mandates have depleted agency reserves.
Funding, mandates and reimbursements
Senator Sutherland described TWRA officers’ community support during storms and traffic incidents and asked how much the agency is reimbursed. Maxedon said TWRA receives no recurring general-fund appropriations for those services; the agency draws recurring revenue from a portion of the real-estate transfer tax and license revenue. He added that recent state-mandated pay raises cost the agency about $10 million and required the agency to use wildlife operating funds to cover the increase because TWRA had limited general-fund support.
Committee members suggested exploring modest general-fund support to reduce reliance on license revenue and reserves; one senator referenced a possible bill to pursue that change.
What’s next
After questions and discussion, the committee recorded nine ayes and sent SB15 54 to the calendar committee with a positive recommendation. Agency leaders said they will continue to work with senators on funding proposals and staffing concerns.