Senate Bill 447, also known as House Bill 500, amends Tennessee Code Annotated to introduce new regulations regarding activities on public waters. The bill adds a new subsection (h) to Section 69-9-216, which establishes that it is a violation of the chapter for individuals to engage in activities, such as fishing, that obstruct the use of public access or launching areas beyond the customary time for launching and retrieving recreational boats. Additionally, the bill prohibits swimming, fishing, or other activities that interfere with the intended use of docks or cause damage to docks, boats, or marinas.

The new regulations are designed to ensure that public access areas and docks remain available for their intended purposes, thereby promoting safety and accessibility for all users. The bill specifies that violations will be subject to penalties outlined in Section 69-9-219. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, emphasizing the importance of public welfare in the management of waterway activities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 69-9-216