Tennessee House Bill HB1337

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 29; Title 11, Chapter 3 and Title 68, relative to outdoor recreation.

Impact

The bill proposes a non-regulatory approach to promote outdoor recreation while supporting local economies, particularly in rural areas known for their natural landscapes. By creating a task force and advisory board, the bill aims to resolve conflicts among different outdoor user groups and to create educational programs about outdoor safety and environmental stewardship. Additionally, the Office of Outdoor Recreation will play a pivotal role in marketing Tennessee's outdoor opportunities, thus attracting businesses focused on the outdoor economy.

Summary

House Bill 1337 aims to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation within the Department of Tourist Development in Tennessee. This office is intended to facilitate the growth of the outdoor recreation economy by coordinating state efforts, increasing access to outdoor recreational activities, and enhancing services related to tourism and environmental management. The bill recognizes the significant economic contributions of outdoor recreation, which reportedly generates over $9 billion for Tennessee and supports more than 93,000 jobs.

Contention

One notable point of discussion surrounding HB 1337 is its emphasis on economic growth through outdoor recreation, which some stakeholders feel may overshadow environmental concerns. Critics argue that focusing primarily on economic development could lead to the degradation of natural resources if not carefully managed. Furthermore, establishing a dedicated office may raise questions regarding how it will interact with existing regulatory bodies overseeing environmental protection in Tennessee.