Game and Fish Laws - As enacted, enacts the "Hunting for Heroes Act"; creates the Tennessee national guard sportsman license. - Amends TCA Title 70, Chapter 2.
SB 2238, known as the "Hunting for Heroes Act," creates a free Tennessee National Guard sportsman license for eligible members. This license allows Tennessee National Guard members in good standing to hunt and fish without cost, providing the same benefits as a standard resident sportsman license. To qualify, applicants must provide a valid U.S. military ID and Tennessee National Guard membership verification from the adjutant general. The state will cover all license costs using general funds, not wildlife resources money, and the law takes effect July 1, 2026.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Feb 2, 2026
Signed Apr 27, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
24
Key actions
9
Committee
5
Apr 27, 2026
Signed into law
Signed by Governor.
lower
Apr 16, 2026
Lower · Passed
Signed by H. Speaker
lower
Apr 14, 2026
Upper · Passed
Signed by Senate Speaker
upper
Apr 7, 2026
Lower · Passed
Passed H., Ayes 94, Nays 1, PNV 0
lower
Mar 5, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate, Ayes 31, Nays 0
upper
Mar 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
lower
Feb 24, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 3/3/2026
lower
Feb 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Energy, Ag., and Nat. Resources Committee calendar for 2/18/2026
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Energy, Ag., and Nat. Resources Committee
upper
Feb 2, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Jack Johnson
RRepublican
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