Tennessee House Bill HB1981

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/26
• Refer: 2/4/26
• Refer: 3/2/26
• Refer: 3/11/26
• Chaptered: 4/27/26
• Passed: 4/27/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 1, Part 3, relative to designating Lake County as the Eagle Capital of Tennessee.

Summary

HB1981 designates Lake County as the “Eagle Capital of Tennessee” by adding a new section to Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 1, Part 3. The bill is a commemorative or honorary designation measure rather than a regulatory or appropriations bill. Its findings emphasize Lake County’s role as a destination for eagle viewing, especially around Reelfoot Lake and the Mississippi River, and reference the annual Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival. The bill also highlights the presence of more than ninety eagle nests in the area, the seasonal migration of thousands of eagles, and the availability of eagle tours through Reelfoot Lake State Park, Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, and private outfitters. The stated purpose is to recognize the county’s association with eagle watching and to acknowledge the tourism and economic activity generated by visitors who come for photography, tours, and overnight stays.

Impact

The bill amends Tennessee’s honorary place-designation statutes in Title 4, Chapter 1, Part 3, by adding Lake County as the Eagle Capital of Tennessee. It does not create new duties, penalties, funding obligations, or regulatory requirements for state or local government, but it formally recognizes Lake County in state law and may support tourism branding and promotional efforts tied to wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation.

Sentiment

The available voting history shows strong, unanimous support throughout the legislative process, with favorable committee recommendations and a 81-0 floor passage on third consideration. There is no committee transcript indicating opposition or debate, and the bill appears to have been treated as a noncontroversial naming-and-designating measure. The overall sentiment is clearly positive, reflecting broad agreement with the county’s recognition.

Contention

No notable contention is evident in the available record. Because the bill is honorary and does not alter substantive policy, the main points likely considered were whether Lake County’s eagle-related tourism and wildlife presence justified the designation. The unanimous votes suggest no significant disagreement among members, and no objections are reflected in the provided materials.