Senate Bill 2528, also known as House Bill 2425, 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, tourism promotion, and other reasonable expenses, contingent upon the availability of funds beyond those needed for existing expenditures. Expenditures for infrastructure upgrades and other expenses must receive approval from a simple majority of the board. Additionally, the bill specifies that the director of the division of state parks will complete the remaining term of the manager of the Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park and serve on the board thereafter.

The bill also revises the permit system for commercial operations within the Ocoee River management zone. It establishes that as of 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. Furthermore, it outlines conditions under which permits can be transferred to immediate family members or through purchase agreements, and it prohibits individuals whose permits have been revoked or who have gone out of business from applying for new permits. The definition of "immediate family" is also 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