TWRA Withdraws 28% License Fee Increase Amid Legislative Opposition

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has withdrawn its proposed 28% increase in hunting and fishing license fees, as well as other fee hikes including off-highway vehicle permits and boating, following strong bipartisan opposition during a Joint Government Operations Committee meeting. The fee increases were initially approved by the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission to address budget deficits caused by inflation and rising operational costs, but legislators expressed concerns about affordability for hunters and anglers, many of whom are on fixed incomes. TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon acknowledged the agency's funding challenges and indicated that alternative funding options, including potential reallocations of sales tax revenue related to outdoor activities, would be pursued. The withdrawal marked a rare instance where the legislative committee did not ratify a fee increase previously approved by the wildlife commission, reflecting significant political resistance. Lawmakers and TWRA leadership have committed to working together to find sustainable funding solutions without imposing steep fee hikes on constituents. For now, Tennessee hunting and fishing license fees will remain unchanged from their 2015 rates while the agency explores other funding models.