House backs bill clarifying TWRA authority over hunting; opponents warn it limits local control

The Tennessee House on March 18 passed Senate Bill 20-28, a measure clarifying that the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has primary authority over the manner of taking wildlife, including discharge of firearms while lawfully hunting. The passage followed debate about local authority and public-safety concerns.

Representative Cochran, sponsor on the floor, said the bill "clarifies what numerous AGs have understood for many years" and reiterated that the Wildlife Commission governs hunting while lawfully hunting. He answered repeated questions from colleagues that the bill does not give a blanket permission to discharge firearms recklessly and does not remove municipal authority to charge reckless endangerment when conduct is unsafe.

Opponents—including Representative Jones and municipal attorneys who testified in committee, according to members—said the bill would strip local governments of tools to address nuisance hunting by outsiders who hunt near residential areas and leave shell casings and cause early-morning disturbances. "Over a 100 jurisdictions... would all be wiped out if this legislation takes effect," Representative Jones warned on the floor.

The sponsor cited multiple attorney general opinions (1998, 2013 and others) to argue municipalities derive authority from the state and may not enact ordinances inconsistent with state law; he said local authority that never existed cannot be taken away. Committee and floor amendments were offered and withdrawn or adopted; one amendment clarified the bill does not prohibit local governments from allowing hunting on their own property.

After debate and amendment, the House recorded a vote and the clerk announced the bill passed as amended; the transcript records a recorded tally consistent with passage on third consideration.