Tennessee Senate Bill SB1725

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/26
• Engrossed: 3/16/26
• Enrolled: 4/1/26
• Passed: 4/14/26
• Chaptered: 4/28/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 69, Chapter 9, relative to the moorage of vessels.

Impact

If enacted, SB1725 will impact state laws concerning how recreational vessels are managed in Tennessee's waterways. It introduces clear legal guidelines regarding the mooring of these vessels, categorizing violations of the established moorage limits as Class C misdemeanors. Such changes are expected to facilitate better management of boating activities and reduce potential conflicts between recreational users and navigation routes. The introduction of permitting for extended or permanent mooring under federal consent may also provide a structured approach to long-term vessel management in designated areas.

Summary

Senate Bill 1725 proposes amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically addressing the moorage of recreational vessels along the Tennessee River and its tributaries. The bill aims to regulate the duration and locations where such vessels can be moored, particularly restricting moorage to a maximum of fourteen consecutive days at one spot. Additionally, it seeks to prevent any obstruction of navigation channels by recreational vessels, enhancing boating safety and access within the river system. This legislation represents an effort to balance recreational boating with navigational integrity and safety standards.

Sentiment

In discussions surrounding the bill, the sentiment emerged to favor stricter regulations to ensure safety and facilitate navigation along the Tennessee River. Advocates for the bill emphasized its necessity in maintaining orderly conduct among recreational boaters, preventing overcrowding in popular moorage areas, and ensuring continued access for all waterway users. However, some concerns were raised about the potential burden on boaters regarding compliance and the need for further accessibility measures.

Contention

Points of contention regarding SB1725 stem primarily from the limitations it imposes on recreational boaters. Opponents argue that setting a strict moorage limit could be seen as an infringement on the freedoms of boaters who utilize these areas for leisure. Questions also arose regarding the enforcement of these regulations and the capacity of local authorities to monitor compliance effectively, leading to discussions about resource allocation for enforcement and the overall scope of authority assigned to local agencies in managing waterway access.