House approves bill clarifying that wildlife commission governs firearm discharge while hunting; cities raised local-control concerns

The House passed Senate Bill 2028 (substituted for House Bill 2017) to clarify that the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission has authority to prescribe hunting methods and to govern the discharge of firearms while lawfully hunting.

Representative Cochran, the sponsor, said the bill "simply clarifies what numerous attorney generals have understood for many years" and that the Commission has primary authority over hunting regulations. Opponents, including representatives relaying testimony from city attorneys and police chiefs, said the measure would remove local governments’ ability to address nuisance hunting — such as outside hunters coming into residential areas, leaving shell casings and disturbing neighborhoods early in the morning.

During debate the sponsor read portions of prior attorney-general opinions and the House considered committee amendment three, which added an exception clarifying that counties and municipalities may regulate the discharge of a firearm by a person lawfully hunting within 500 feet of school property, aligning the code with other provisions. That amendment was adopted. Sponsors repeatedly emphasized that reckless discharge remains subject to local criminal enforcement.

Supporters said the bill preserves hunting regulations under state authority; opponents warned it could preempt many local ordinances unless the legislation and existing AG opinions are carefully interpreted. The final bill passed on third reading.