AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 57, relative to alcohol.
Summary
HB1115 amends Tennessee alcohol law by directing the Tennessee Wine and Grape Board, in carrying out its existing duties, to coordinate with wineries across the state to help create a statewide wine trail. The bill does not create a new licensing scheme, tax, or regulatory program; instead, it adds a specific promotional and coordination duty to the board’s responsibilities under Title 57.
In practical terms, the measure is aimed at encouraging tourism and marketing for Tennessee wineries by supporting a connected wine-trail concept. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law, reflecting a legislative intent to move quickly on the initiative.
Impact
The bill would modify Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 57-3-1102, by adding a new subsection that expands the Tennessee Wine and Grape Board’s duties to include statewide coordination with wineries for a wine trail. Its legal effect is limited to this board-level mandate and does not directly alter alcohol sales rules, permitting requirements, or enforcement provisions for wineries or other alcohol-related businesses.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the overall sentiment appears neutral to supportive. The measure is framed as a collaborative tourism and industry-promotion effort, with no visible opposition or controversy reflected in the available record.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided transcripts or voting history. Potential areas of interest, if discussed, would likely involve the scope of the board’s coordination role, the practical burden on wineries, and whether the state should be involved in promoting a wine trail; however, none of these concerns are shown in the supplied materials.