Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29; Title 11, Chapter 3 and Title 68.

Under present law, the department of tourism development ("department") is designated as the department for the implementation and administration of all tourism marketing and promotion, tourism partner services, and tourism economic development projects. This bill establishes the office of outdoor recreation ("office") within the department to augment services provided by the wildlife resources agency and the department of environment and conservation to leverage tourism and economic development opportunities as part of the continued development of this state's outdoor economy; assist businesses and citizens of this state in navigating state environmental regulations; and promote a solution-oriented focus on emerging issues. <br /> <br /> DIRECTOR<br /> <br /> This bill requires the office to employ a director, who serves at the direction of the commissioner of tourism development, and has the following powers and duties:<br /> <br /> (1) Increase outdoor recreation-based economic development, education, tourism, and ecotourism by attracting outdoor recreation industries to the state; <br /> <br /> (2) Attract new businesses to this state by marketing, advertising, and securing media opportunities that reflect the opportunities for outdoor recreation in this state; <br /> <br /> (3) Promote the growth of the outdoor recreation economy in this state by increasing and promoting access to the outdoors, particularly in underrepresented urban and rural communities, and providing opportunities for the stewardship and conservation of natural resources; <br /> <br /> (4) Coordinate with federal or state agencies and authorities, counties, municipalities, schools, and private entities to achieve the purposes of this bill; <br /> <br /> (5) Recommend policies and initiatives to the governor to enhance outdoor recreational amenities, learning programs, and experiences in this state; assist in the implementation of the policies and initiatives; and report on the impacts of the policies and initiatives; <br /> <br /> (6) Advise the governor on matters related to the outdoor recreation industry that affect interagency relations and activities that may involve both the wildlife resources agency and the department of environment and conservation;<br /> <br /> (7) Develop and support the development of data regarding the impacts of outdoor recreation in this state while ensuring national data are utilized as a benchmark factor in agency decision-making; <br /> <br /> (8) Promote the health, educational, and social benefits of outdoor recreation; <br /> <br /> (9) Advocate on behalf of this state for federal funding and participation in federal programs, including applying for government and private grants to be used in carrying out these provisions; <br /> <br /> (10) Support the development of outdoor-based education programs and curricula related to conservation and safety;<br /> <br /> (11) Create and maintain a statewide document of asset mapping of outdoor businesses, major recreation destinations, and industry stakeholders and partners; <br /> <br /> (12) Market materials for outdoor business development and the recruitment and retention of staff; <br /> <br /> (13) Disseminate economic impact statistics on outdoor recreation for the state; <br /> <br /> (14) Aggregate existing resources for state and local partners with best practices on outdoor recreation economic development and data on participants; <br /> <br /> (15) Build partnerships with small businesses and nonprofit organizations operating in the outdoor recreation space to give them a voice in the way the state government operates in this sector; and <br /> <br /> (16) Authorize funds from the general fund to be used to establish and maintain the office; and adequately fund training and safety programs, and emergency and rescue services on this state's waterways by local governmental entities and non-governmental organizations. <br /> <br /> TENNESSEE OUTDOOR RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD<br /> <br /> This bill establishes the Tennessee outdoor recreation advisory board ("board") to advise and assist the director and the commissioner of tourist development in identifying outdoor recreation opportunities; work to expand and align the outdoor recreation workforce with future economic opportunities; and work to conserve the natural landscapes that support outdoor recreation in this state. This bill requires the board to consist of the following: <br /> <br /> (1) Nine voting members appointed by the governor;<br /> <br /> (2) The chair of the Tennessee fish and wildlife commission, or the chair's designee, as an ex officio non-voting member;<br /> <br /> (3) The commissioner of environment and conservation, or the commissioner's designee, as an ex officio non-voting member; and <br /> <br /> (4) The commissioner of economic and community development, or the commissioner's degree, as an ex officio non-voting member. <br /> <br /> This bill requires that a vacancy on the board be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. Political subdivisions of this state, state agencies, regional commissions, and other public agencies are authorized to provide support, assistance, or cooperation to the office in performance of its duties upon request of the office.<br /> <br /> TENNESSEE OUTDOOR RECREATION TASK FORCE<br /> <br /> This bill establishes the Tennessee outdoor recreation task force ("task force") to assist in resolving conflicts between trail and water resource users; and enhancing the experience of outdoor recreationists in this state generally. This bill requires the governor to appoint the nine voting members of the task force.<br /> <br /> DUAL SERVICE PROHIBITED<br /> <br /> This bill prohibits a person from serving simultaneously as a member of the board and the task force.<br />