House Bill 1749, also known as Senate Bill 1846, amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to the Ocoee River. The bill allows the commissioner and the board to utilize the development fund for infrastructure upgrades and tourism promotion activities in the Ocoee River management zone, contingent upon the availability of sufficient funds. It specifies that expenditures for these purposes must receive approval from a simple majority of the board. Additionally, the bill modifies the composition of the board by designating the director of the division of state parks as a member, effective July 1, 2026.

Furthermore, the bill revises the permit transfer process for individuals holding permits as of June 30, 2024, allowing transfers to immediate family members or through purchase agreements with prior written approval from the commissioner. Starting July 1, 2026, the department will limit the issuance of new permits to a maximum of twenty-four, which will be reduced to twelve as permits are revoked or not renewed. The bill also establishes restrictions on reapplying for permits after revocation or business closure, ensuring that only certain individuals, such as immediate family members or purchasers of the business, can obtain new permits. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 11-8-103(e), 11-8-103, 11-8-104(b)(1)(A), 11-8-104, 11-8-107(e), 11-8-107