House Bill 24 amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to wildlife resources, primarily adjusting the penalties for violations. The bill replaces existing fines and penalties with a uniform maximum fine of $500 for several offenses, including those previously subject to lower fines ranging from $25 to $1,000. Additionally, it establishes that certain violations can result in a Class C or Class B misdemeanor, depending on whether a wild animal, bird, fowl, or fish is removed from another's land. The bill also clarifies the process for handling arrests related to wildlife law violations, ensuring that individuals are taken before a court of general sessions for trial.

The bill includes specific deletions and substitutions in the legal language, such as removing the previous fine structures and replacing them with the new maximum fine of $500. It also modifies the procedures for handling arrests and appeals, ensuring that individuals found guilty have the right to appeal their cases. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 70-1-310, 70-2-101, 70-2-205(e)(1), 70-2-205, 70-2-213(c), 70-2-213, 70-2-214(c), 70-2-214, 70-2-215(d), 70-2-215, 70-2-221(e), 70-2-221, 70-4-106(a), 70-4-106, 70-5-112(c), 70-5-112, 70-6-101(b)(2), 70-6-101, 70-6-102, 70-6-104, 70-6-107(a), 70-6-107