Tennessee OHV Legislation

Okay Tennessee OHV'ers, the OHV agency switch (from TWRA to TDEC) has been introduced in both the House and the Senate.  HB2628 & SB2837.  The verbiage is mostly the same as the TCA Title 70, Chapter 9.

For those of you new to the Tennessee Off Highway Vehicle Act of 2003, the perseverance of a lot of dedicated people over a 10+ year period of time, culminated in the creation of this Act which was signed into law by both the legislature and the current Governor and enacted in 2004.  The Act’s intent was for a statewide system of OHV trails to be created in the state of Tennessee.

This OHV program has been housed ever since at TWRA.  We should always be thankful for that courtesy because the program was pretty much foisted onto them. Because of that, the true intent of the Act was never really developed. And you really can’t blame them, that kind of situation happens more times then we all care to admit.  But now we have the opportunity to see the program actually birthed at an agency (TDEC) who has the ability and the mission statement to get the job done.  Believe it or not, OHV use is in the "critical unmet needs" category for the Tennessee State Recreation plan.  Funny, we knew that we've been in critical status for quite some time.  But, you know, it is always refreshing to read it in print from a government agency.

Here is where we need your help.   Although, in theory, this is just "housekeeping" legislation with no fiscal note attached, it would be ideal to have as many legislators as we can to sign on to it before it comes up for a vote.  Today is January 21, don't wait for more than 30 days from today to make that call.  Remember, they are public servants, and you are the public.  They really do want to hear from you.

Here are the bill details:

Rep. Judd Matheny is the House sponsor (HB2628)
Sen. Jim Tracy is the Senate sponsor (SB2837)

If you need any assistance, do not hesitate to shoot me an email (iva@ivamichellerussell.com).  I will look up your legislator contact information and/or guide you thru the process.  It is really pretty easy. 

And when you get a chance, go to our website www.ohv4tn.org and sign the guestbook if you haven’t done so already.  That will put you automatically in the loop for all updates like the one you are reading about today.  And mark your calendars for May 31.  At this conference, we will be putting together the OHV State Organization that will help guide this new program.  We need all heads at the table.

And BTW, the reason why all of this is happening is because SFWDA hired a lobbyist last year (yours truly) to find a way to get this program up and running.  That is your dues at work.  You can also thank one man, Steve Melton, and all the Steves and Helens and Daves and everyone in between out there who passionately care about the future of their hobby/sport.  You make it all happen.  Your dreams and your vision keep the rest of us reaching for that brass ring.

Onward Ho!
Iva Michelle Russell
www.ohv4tn.org

PS.  You may cut and paste this forum item and spread it to everyone and everywhere it needs to go... And don't forget, CALL YOUR LEGISLATOR TODAY!!