Tennessee House Bill HB2594

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24
• Refer: 2/5/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39; Title 40 and Title 70, relative to violations of wildlife laws.

Impact

The bill proposes a structured penalty system where offenders could be liable for substantial restitution fees, significantly enhancing the financial consequences of wildlife violations. For instance, convictions involving white-tailed deer with at least eight antler points could result in restitution of $10,000 plus additional fees based on antler points. Such financial penalties are intended to deter illegal activities and promote responsible hunting practices in Tennessee, supporting the conservation efforts for the state's wildlife.

Summary

House Bill 2594 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning violations of wildlife laws. The primary focus of the bill is to establish stringent penalties for individuals convicted of illegally killing or possessing game animals, particularly in cases where the offense occurs on property without the legal right to be present. Under this bill, courts are empowered to order restitution payments that could range significantly based on the type of game animal involved, with amounts prescribed for various violations concerning wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, elk, and other wildlife species.

Sentiment

Initial sentiment around HB 2594 appears to indicate strong support among conservationists and wildlife protection advocates who view increased penalties as critical for deterring violations that threaten wildlife populations. There may be concerns from certain hunting communities regarding the severity of the restitution fines and whether they might be disproportionate, particularly for novice hunters or others unaware of specific legal boundaries.

Contention

Notable points of contention likely arise around the balance between enforcing wildlife laws and maintaining recreational hunting rights. Some stakeholders might argue the restitution fees impose a heavy burden on hunters, potentially leading to decreased participation in hunting activities. Discussions around the bill will revolve around ensuring that punitive measures effectively protect wildlife without discouraging lawful hunting practices among the community.