The Tennessee State Senate Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources committee voted unanimously to pass a bill designating state money to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
If passed, the TWRA would no longer need to rely solely on money from hunting and fishing licenses.
Among those advocating for the bill were former Nashville Predators player Mike Fisher and former Tennessee Volunteers Football Coach Phil Fulmer.
Coach Fulmer argued since the TWRA is responsible for conservation and public safety, they should receive state funding.
“You can’t manage that responsibility on unstable funding,” said Fulmer. “You can’t plan long term success with short term resources. This is about stewardship, it’s about accountability, and its about fairness.”
Fulmer says the bill will protect the legacy of sportsmen and women across the state.
