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Supporters urge stable funding for Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency; bill sent behind budget
Summary
Speakers, outdoor business owners and sports figures testified in favor of HB21-38 to provide recurring state funding for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), but the subcommittee placed the bill behind the budget noting an $18,000,000 fiscal note.
Supporters from conservation groups, businesses and sports figures told the Finance, Ways and Means subcommittee that HB21-38 would provide long-term stability for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the outdoor economy. Speaker Tim Marsh and witnesses said license revenue no longer provides reliable funding for multi-year habitat and access projects.
Philip Fulmer, speaking as a private citizen, argued the state must sustain conservation for future generations and pressed members to act: "Please vote yes on House H H 2138." Blake Parsons of Fly South said the agency "is the engine that keeps this system running," linking healthy fisheries and managed lands to tourism and jobs. John Ed Powers, a sporting-goods retailer, said outdoor recreation drives local sales tax and depends on well-managed public lands.
Committee members thanked the witnesses but flagged cost concerns. The chair noted a fiscal note tied to the proposal and, without objection, the subcommittee placed HB21-38 behind the budget for further fiscal review. Representative Zachary and others praised the bill's stewardship aims even as budget staff flagged an $18,000,000 fiscal impact.
The bill will return for additional budget review before any final finance recommendation.
