Tennessee Senate Bill SJR0270

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/23

Caption

A RESOLUTION to confirm the appointment of R. Larry Smith to the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Impact

Confirming Mr. Smith's appointment is intended to strengthen the commission's role in conservation efforts, particularly concerning game animals, birds, and fish. His experience in the field, combined with his previous roles in state agencies related to fisheries and wildlife management, suggests that he will bring valuable insights and expertise to the commission. This resolution aligns with legislative goals to ensure that individuals with substantial knowledge and commitment to wildlife conservation lead state-level responsibilities.

Summary

Senate Joint Resolution 270 (SJR0270) is a resolution confirming the appointment of R. Larry Smith to the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission. This commission is responsible for overseeing the management and conservation of wildlife resources in the state. The resolution stipulates that Mr. Smith, who has a background in wildlife and fisheries science, will serve a six-year term on the commission, which begins on March 1, 2023, and concludes on February 28, 2029. His appointment follows Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 70-1-201, that outlines the process for appointing members to this commission.

Contention

While there may not be explicit points of contention regarding SJR0270, the broader context of wildlife management and conservation efforts can often inspire debate. Assigned members to such commissions can face scrutiny from various stakeholders, including environmental groups and local communities, each advocating for different approaches to conservation. Mr. Smith's specific qualifications and prior experiences could be both an asset and a point of discussion among those advocating for different priorities in wildlife management.

Notable_points

Mr. Smith has a diverse background, including prior roles at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Tennessee Valley Authority, which lends credibility to his appointment. He has also held leadership positions within the community, such as serving on the Knox County Commission. His history of teaching hunter safety courses shows his commitment to education and outreach, which are important components of effective wildlife conservation.