House Bill 2425 amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to the Ocoee River management zone. The bill allows the commissioner and the board to utilize the development fund for infrastructure upgrades, tourism promotion, and other necessary expenses, contingent upon the availability of funds. Expenditures for infrastructure upgrades and other reasonable expenses must be approved by a simple majority vote of the board. Additionally, the bill specifies that the director of the division of state parks will complete the remaining term of the Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park manager and serve on the board thereafter.

The bill also addresses the transfer of permits for individuals who possess them 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 permits to a maximum of twenty-four, which will be reduced to twelve as permits are revoked or not renewed. The definition of "immediate family" is provided to clarify eligible transferees. 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
Amended with HA0625 -- 04/22/2026: 11-8-103(e), 11-8-103, 11-8-104(b)(1)(A), 11-8-104, 11-8-107(e), 11-8-107