House Bill 1851, also known as Senate Bill 2009, 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 legislation aims to raise public awareness and promote the protection of this imperiled species, which is crucial for the biodiversity of Tennessee.

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 safeguarding the bog turtle's remaining habitat, which is rapidly diminishing. The act is set to take effect immediately upon becoming law, emphasizing the urgency of the situation for the bog turtle population.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4-1-321