Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SJR0571

Introduced
1/13/26  
Engrossed
2/9/26  

Caption

A RESOLUTION to urge the Tennessee Department of Transportation to establish habitat and no-mow areas on highway rights-of-way for the monarch butterfly.

Impact

The resolution advocates for the use of highway rights-of-way in Tennessee for planting milkweed and other native wildflowers that attract monarch butterflies. Such measures could enhance the butterfly population, assist in their migration patterns, and contribute positively to the state’s biodiversity and aesthetic appeal of travel routes. The recognition of existing habitats along the rights-of-way, which should be preserved by refraining from mowing, forms a critical part of this resolution, potentially creating safe havens for the butterflies during their migratory routes.

Summary

SJR0571 is a resolution that urges the Tennessee Department of Transportation to establish habitat and no-mow areas on highway rights-of-way specifically for the benefit of the monarch butterfly. This resolution recognizes the critical role that monarch butterflies play in the ecosystem and addresses their alarming decline, which is attributed to habitat destruction, particularly the loss of milkweed, their primary food source and egg-laying plant. The text emphasizes the need to protect and restore these essential habitats along Tennessee's highways and roadways, which could also yield significant cost savings in mowing expenses.

Contention

While SJR0571 has wide bipartisan support due to its environmental aims, some might raise concerns about the allocation of resources and changes in maintenance schedules for highway right-of-ways. Additionally, the effectiveness of these no-mow areas in contributing to monarch conservation may lead to discussions on the broader implications for transportation management and ecological responsibility. Ultimately, debates may center around balancing aesthetic and practical roadside management with ecological priorities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TN AB2254

Coastal resources: monarch butterfly habitat.

TN HJR0084

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend the Tennessee Department of Transportation and Project Milkweed.

TN SCR605

Recognizing the significance of the monarch butterfly and encouraging cooperative, voluntary conservation efforts in South Dakota.

TN SB2128

MONARCH Act of 2025 Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat Act of 2025

TN HB4062

MONARCH Act of 2025 Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat Act of 2025

TN A09436

Relates to finding alternatives to the use of pesticides in the monarch preservation plan and allowing agricultural lands that are not in active production be used to enhance the monarch butterfly habitat.

TN S08773

Relates to finding alternatives to the use of pesticides in the monarch preservation plan and allowing agricultural lands that are not in active production be used to enhance the monarch butterfly habitat.

TN HB4054

State: symbol; monarch butterfly; designate as the official state butterfly. Creates new act.

TN ACR103

California Western Monarch Protection Week.

TN HB426

Providing for duties of Commonwealth agencies regarding native plants and for duties of Department of Conservation and Natural Resources regarding pollinator habitats and native plants.

Similar Bills

TN HJR0084

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend the Tennessee Department of Transportation and Project Milkweed.

TN HJR0078

A RESOLUTION to celebrate the month of April 2025 as "Tennessee Native Plant Month."

TN HR0013

A RESOLUTION to honor the memory of Deborah Jean Hicks.

CA SB1214

California State Library: study: state butterfly.

TN HJR0033

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend Riley Gaines of Sumner County.

CA AB2254

Coastal resources: monarch butterfly habitat.

NJ A1513

Prohibits sale of milkweed plants treated with certain pesticides.

US SB2128

MONARCH Act of 2025 Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat Act of 2025