Tennessee House Bill HB2880

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/14/24
• Refer: 2/21/24
• Engrossed: 2/29/24
• Enrolled: 3/20/24
• Passed: 4/2/24
• Chaptered: 4/8/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-17-101 and Title 70, relative to creatures that are poisonous or venomous.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2880 would update existing laws to provide more robust guidelines on how to manage and respond to sightings or incidents involving poisonous or venomous creatures. This could have significant implications for public safety, wildlife management, and urban development planning, as municipalities would need to adhere to the new regulations to mitigate risks associated with these creatures. The bill could also encourage better education and awareness initiatives regarding safety protocols when interacting with or encountering these types of wildlife.

Summary

House Bill 2880 aims to amend specific sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the regulation of poisonous and venomous creatures. The bill seeks to establish clearer definitions and protocols for the handling and reporting of incidents involving these animals, emphasizing public safety and ecological conservation. By refining the legal framework surrounding poisonous and venomous creatures, the bill intends to enhance the protection of both inhabitants and local wildlife, ensuring that proper measures are in place to deal with potentially dangerous encounters.

Sentiment

Discussions around HB 2880 reveal a generally positive sentiment from stakeholders who focus on public safety and wildlife conservation. Supporters of the bill argue that it will provide needed clarity in regulations, benefiting both people and animals through better-informed responses to dangerous wildlife encounters. However, there were some opposing views that express concerns about potential overregulation. Some participants in the discussions feared that additional regulations may impose unnecessary restrictions on land use or development in certain areas.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding HB 2880 centers on the balance between regulatory measures and personal property rights. Critics argue that the bill could lead to stringent regulations that may hinder landowners’ rights over their properties, particularly in rural or semi-urban areas where wildlife interactions may be commonplace. The debate highlights the ongoing struggle between ensuring public safety and promoting individual freedoms in land use, exemplifying the complexities of wildlife-related legislation.