Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Statutory Interpretation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
TWRA says statute limits HB 2091 revenue to North Cumberland OHV program
Summary
Legislators sought assurance that fees created by HB 2091 would be used only at North Cumberland WMA. TWRA confirmed TCA 79‑1‑106 restricts funds to the North Cumberland OHV program but acknowledged the code allows certain land‑interest acquisitions if tied to the program.
During committee discussion of House Bill 2091, Representative Grills asked that revenue generated by the proposed OHV permit program be restricted to uses ‘‘for this purpose and this purpose only’’ and not be diverted elsewhere in TWRA’s portfolio.
Blair Beatty of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency told the committee the statute cited in the hearing—TCA 79‑1‑106—limits the monies to North Cumberland. ‘‘I believe the final part of that statute that you just read into the record was and may only be used for the purposes of this part,’’ Beatty said, adding that although the code’s language could allow an easement or land purchase in theory, any such acquisition would still have to apply to the off‑highway vehicle program in North Cumberland.
Representative Grills pressed the point that the statutory language also recognizes the director may use collected funds to acquire or lease interests in land; Grills said that the intent of HB 2091 is not to expand land holdings but to ensure the existing WMA is operated at capacity. The committee accepted TWRA’s clarification but discussed the need for explicit implementation guidance if purchases or easements were ever proposed.
