Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission - As enacted, directs the commission to promulgate rules to create and issue guide licenses for persons who work as guides at Reelfoot Lake. - Amends TCA Title 11, Chapter 14, Part 1 , the official text

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                             PUBLIC CHAPTER NO. 443

                                                    SENATE BILL NO. 863

                                                            By Stevens

                                             Substituted for: House Bill No. 799

                                                By Grills, Shaw, Capley, Todd

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 11, Chapter 14, Part 1 and Title 70, relative to
          Reelfoot Lake guide licenses.

          WHEREAS, in the winter of 1811 a violent series of earthquakes near the northwest corner
of Tennessee caused the land along the mighty Mississippi River to sink, creating a water-filled
basin that would come to be known as Reelfoot Lake; and

          WHEREAS, Reelfoot Lake, located in both Lake and Obion Counties, is Tennessee's largest
natural lake spanning approximately 15,000 acres; and

          WHEREAS, the lake's unique landscape of shallow marshes and bayous encompassed by
the majestic cypress forest is unlike any other waterbody in the state; and

          WHEREAS, Reelfoot Lake historically supported the region's growth by providing a reliable
source of irrigation to the agriculture industry; and

          WHEREAS, it is home to rare and diverse aquatic and wildlife species; and

          WHEREAS, in 1966, Reelfoot Lake was designated a National Natural Landmark by the U.S.
Department of Interior and the National Park Service; and

          WHEREAS, in 1956, certain areas of the lake were designated as a state park; and

          WHEREAS, in 1973, Reelfoot Lake was designated as a state natural area; and

          WHEREAS, the lake celebrates a long history of hunting and fishing, supporting habitat for
rare and diverse aquatic and wildlife species, and is a celebrated breeding and habitat area for the
great American bald eagle and over 200 other migratory birds; and

          WHEREAS, Reelfoot Lake is part of the 24,000 acre Reelfoot Wildlife Management Area,
attracting over 750,000 people a year to enjoy what is considered top-ranking waterfowl hunting in
the Mississippi Flyway; and

          WHEREAS, Reelfoot Lake is a bona fide sportsman's paradise of national renown with a
long history, heritage, and local economy centered on sportsman activity, including the business of
guide services; and

          WHEREAS, the General Assembly has designated the Tennessee Wildlife Resources
Agency and the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission as the regulating authority for hunting,
fishing, and guiding activity in this State; and

          WHEREAS, due to the unique landscape and hazards of Reelfoot Lake, a level of expertise
and familiarity with the lake and its uniqueness is required for safe navigation and enjoyment; now,
therefore,

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:

          SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 70-1-101, is amended by inserting the
following as a new subdivision:
SB 863
                   ( ) "Guide" means a person who accepts compensation for assisting persons who

         hunt, fish, or trap, and who is required to possess a guide license issued pursuant to§ 70-2-
         227;
         SECTION 2. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 70, Chapter 2, Part 2, is amended by adding
the following as a new section:
          70-2-227.

                   The commission shall:
                             (1) Create and issue waterfowl guide licenses for persons who work as

                   waterfowl guides at Reelfoot Lake, located in Lake and Obion Counties; and
                             (2) Promulgate rules to effectuate this section, including rules to require

                   Reelfoot-specific waterfowl guides to demonstrate relevant knowledge of Reelfoot
                   Lake and its inherent hazards. Such rules must be in accordance with the Uniform
                   Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
          SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon becoming law, the public welfare requiring it.

                                                                2
         SENATE BILL NO. 863

PASSED:  April 21, 2025

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                         ,       RANov)cNALLv

                            SPEAKER OF TH SENATE

                         CAMERO~EXTON,SPEAKER
                         HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

~ APPROVED this.  day of rv:\~<  2025
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         BILL LEE, GOVERNOR