Tennessee Senate Bill SB2173

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/26
• Engrossed: 4/15/26
• Enrolled: 4/30/26
• Passed: 5/22/26
• Chaptered: 5/27/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 70, Chapter 9, relative to off-highway vehicles.

Impact

By enacting SB 2173, Tennessee aims to streamline information related to OHV usage and trail access, thereby facilitating better public access to recreational areas. The implementation of this bill could significantly aid both enthusiasts and tourists by providing clearer guidelines, which in turn may lead to increased outdoor activity and tourism within state parks and natural areas. Furthermore, tracking the available trails and their specifications could contribute to improved management and preservation of these spaces.

Summary

Senate Bill 2173 seeks to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 70, Chapter 9, by introducing provisions that enhance the regulation of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in the state. Specifically, the bill mandates the director of the relevant commission to create and maintain a publicly accessible list of areas where the use of off-highway motor vehicles is permitted. This list must detail the acreage and the estimated length of trails within each designated area, aimed at promoting recreational use of these vehicles while ensuring users are informed about where they can operate legally.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB 2173 may encapsulate various viewpoints regarding environmental conservation versus recreational freedom. Advocates of increased recreational vehicle access may argue that the bill promotes healthy outdoor activities and boosts the local economy through increased tourism. Conversely, environmentalists and certain local communities might voice concerns about the potential negative effects of OHVs on natural habitats and ecosystems. The balance between facilitating recreational access and ensuring environmental stewardship will likely represent a key point of contention as the bill progresses.