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SENATE BILL 537
By Stevens
SB0537
001707
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AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 11,
Chapter 14, Part 1 and Title 70, relative to
Reelfoot Lake guide licenses.
WHEREAS, in the winter of 1811 a violent series of earthquakes near the northwest
corner of Tennessee caused the land along the mighty Mississippi River to sink, creating a
water-filled basin that would come to be known as Reelfoot Lake; and
WHEREAS, Reelfoot Lake, located in both Lake and Obion Counties, is Tennessee's
largest natural lake spanning approximately 15,000 acres; and
WHEREAS, the lake's unique landscape of shallow marshes and bayous encompassed
by the majestic cypress forest is unlike any other waterbody in the state; and
WHEREAS, Reelfoot Lake historically supported the region's growth by providing a
reliable source of irrigation to the agriculture industry; and
WHEREAS, it is home to rare and diverse aquatic and wildlife species, and
WHEREAS, in 1966, Reelfoot Lake was designated a National Natural Landmark by the
U.S. Department of Interior and the National Park Service; and
WHEREAS, in 1956, certain areas of the lake were designated as a state park; and
WHEREAS, in 1973, Reelfoot Lake was designated as a state natural area; and
WHEREAS, the lake celebrates a long history of hunting and fishing, supporting habitat
for rare and diverse aquatic and wildlife species, and is a celebrated breeding and habitat area
for the great American bald eagle and over 200 other migratory birds; and
WHEREAS, Reelfoot Lake is part of the 24,000 acre Reelfoot Wildlife Management
Area, attracting over 750,000 people a year to enjoy what is considered top-ranking waterfowl
hunting in the Mississippi Flyway; and
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WHEREAS, Reelfoot Lake is a bona fide sportsman's paradise of national renown with a
long history, heritage, and local economy centered on sportsman activity, including the business
of guide services; and
WHEREAS, the General Assembly has designated the Tennessee Wildlife Resources
Agency and the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission as the regulating authority for hunting,
fishing, and guiding activity in this State; and
WHEREAS, due to the unique landscape and hazards of Reelfoot Lake, a level of
expertise and familiarity with the lake and its uniqueness is required for safe navigation and
enjoyment; now, therefore,
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 70-1-101, is amended by inserting
the following as a new subdivision:
( ) "Guide" means a person who accepts compensation for assisting persons
who hunt, fish, or trap, and who is required to possess a guide license issued pursuant
to § 70-2-227;
SECTION 2. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 70, Chapter 2, Part 2, is amended by
adding the following as a new section:
70-2-227.
The commission shall:
(1) Create and issue guide licenses for persons who work as guides at
Reelfoot Lake, located in Lake and Obion Counties; and
(2) Promulgate rules to effectuate the purposes of this section, including
rules to require Reelfoot-specific guides to demonstrate relevant knowledge of
Reelfoot Lake and its inherent hazards. Such rules shall be promulgated in
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accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4,
chapter 5.
SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon becoming law, the public welfare requiring it.