(The Center Square) – Some state lawmakers pitched using sales tax proceeds to help the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency with funding issues than increase fees.
The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the fee increases in December, subject to approval from the Joint Operations Committee. The majority of hunting and fishing licenses would have increased by 28%. The fee increase would have raised $12 million for the agency.
Jason Maxedon, the agency’s executive director, withdrew the request after lawmakers said they wanted to look at other avenues.
“I would like to see us have a sustainable funding model,” said Rep. Monty Fritts, R-Kingston. “And whether or not that’s a sales tax or a portion of an existing sales tax, I don’t think we need a new sales tax.”
Sen. Steve Southerland, R-Morristown, said the agency brings in $1.8 billion, but its budget is only $130 million. He floated the idea of using a portion of the sales on hunting and fishing items for the agency.
“What we’re doing is basically, a double taxation on hunters and fishermen,” Southerland said. “We need to give the sales tax back to them. I think the Legislature would be willing to work with you on that.”
The funding would fill a gap created by a 30% increase in the Consumer Price Index that occurred since the last fee increase in 2015, the agency said.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency has already reduced its fiscal year 2026 budget by $800,000 and has 20 vacant positions, the agency told The Center Square in October 2024, when the commission first introduced the fee increases.
The agency has 25 officer vacancies, Maxedon told the committee. The fee for hunting and fishing licenses receive a match from the federal government but the money cannot go toward law enforcement agents, he said.
“You have recognized that we do have a funding problem,” Maxedon said. “After hearing what we have heard today from this body, it sounds like we are getting a vocal commitment from you that you will move forward to help us with a bill this coming session to help us with some portion of a tax.”
The Joint Operations Committee approved one boating fee increase that takes effect July 1.
“I stand by the hard work the commission invested over the past year to develop this license fee package, but we also support Director Maxedon’s decision to withdraw it,” said commission Chairman Chris Devaney in a statement about last week’s vote. “Commission members are appointed by the governor, speaker of the House, and speaker of the Senate to serve on the TFWC. We look forward to working with them and other members of the General Assembly to put conservation funding back on track.”
