SB 297 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Game and Fish Laws - As enacted, extends the time within which the guardian for an adoptee who is less than 13 may apply for a lifetime sportsman license for adopted children from 36 months immediately following the adoption date to any time following the adoption that is prior to the adoptee's thirteenth birthday. - Amends TCA Title 70, Chapter 1, Part 5 and Section 70-2-201.

SB 297 amends Tennessee law to extend the deadline for guardians of adopted children under 13 to apply for a lifetime sportsman license. Previously, guardians had only 36 months after the adoption to apply, but this bill changes that to allow applications at any time before the child turns 13. The change simplifies the process for adoptive families by removing the strict 36-month deadline. This directly affects guardians of adopted children in Tennessee who wish to secure a lifetime sportsman license for their child.
Bill status in committee 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Mar 2025
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 10, 2025 Last action Mar 31, 2025
Floor votes · Senate Mar 3, 2025

How they voted

32–0
Passed
Total votes 32
Mar 3, 2025
D Democratic5
5 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican27
27 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
10
Key actions
1
Committee
3
Mar 3, 2025
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (32-0)
Feb 26, 2025
House · Reported by committee
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
Feb 19, 2025
House · Reported by committee
Placed on Senate Energy, Ag., and Nat. Resources Committee calendar for 2/26/2025
Feb 12, 2025
Senate · Referred to committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Energy, Ag., and Nat. Resources Committee
Feb 10, 2025
House · Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Ferrell Haile
Ferrell Haile
RRepublican
TN
18