The House today gave final legislative approval to a proposed amendment to the state constitution that declares Tennessee citizens have a right to hunt and fish, “subject to reasonable regulations.”
The House vote was on SJR30 was 90-1, considerably above the two-thirds majority required for final legislative approval of a constitutional amendment resolution. It had cleared the Senate 31-0 on Jan. 28.
Legislative approval sets up a statewide referendum on the proposal as part of the November general election.
House sponsor Rep. Joe McCord, R-Maryville, said there is “an assumed right” to hunt and fish now and adoption of the constitutional amendment will assure future Tennesseans have the same rights guaranteed.
“Don’t wait until you’re embroiled in problems before you address them,” said McCord, adding that some future General Assembly could act to block hunting and fishing without a constitutional provision in place.
Reps. Tommie Brown, D-Chattanooga, and Johnnie Turner, D-Memphis, questioned McCord in floor debate. Brown suggested the move could be a “knee-jerk reaction” to President Obama’s administration.
McCord said that was not the case, noting that the amendment was first approved by the 105th General Assembly, before Obama took office. Constitutional amendments must pass in two consecutive General Assemblies before gaining final approval.
Turner cast the sole no vote. Brown abstained.
