HB 771

Subject to certain exceptions, present law prohibits the operat ion of a motorized or sail powered vessel on the waters of Tennessee unless th e vessel is numbered . In order to obtain a number, the vessel's owner must apply to TWRA and pay a fee. One of the exceptions to the numbering requirement is for vessels that have been issued a number by another state. This bill requires a person buy a $72.00 permit before operating a vessel that is exempt from being numbered for identification in this state due only to the vessel having a valid number awarded to it pursuant to a federally approved numbering system of another state on the intrastate wat ers of Tennessee. A ll revenue realized from the sale of the exempt vessel permit must be deposited in the boating safety fund and must be expended solely for the administration and operation of the fish and wildlife commission's programs and responsibilit ies concerning boating safety . This bill takes effect upon becoming a law for rulemaking purposes and January 1, 2026, for all other purposes.