House Bill 1851 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 4-1-321, to officially designate the bog turtle, Glyptemys muhlenbergii, as one of the state reptiles, alongside the eastern box turtle, Terrapene carolina carolina. The bill highlights the ecological significance of the bog turtle, noting its status as North America's smallest turtle and its alarming population decline due to habitat destruction and poaching. The bill emphasizes the need for public awareness and swift action to protect this imperiled species, which is a vital part of Tennessee's biodiversity.

The amendment involves deleting the existing language in Section 4-1-321 and substituting it with the new designation of the bog turtle as an official state reptile. This change reflects the state's commitment to conservation efforts and the importance of protecting the bog turtle, particularly as its southern population has decreased significantly over the past two decades. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law, underscoring the urgency of the matter.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4-1-321