Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17 and Title 70.

HANDLING SNAKES<br /> <br /> Present law provides that it is an offense for a person to display, exhibit, handle, or use a poisonous or dangerous snake or reptile in a manner that endangers the life or health of any person. This bill changes the word "poisonous" to "venomous".<br /> <br /> LICENSE AGREEMENTS<br /> <br /> This bill authorizes the wildlife resource agency ("agency") to enter into license agreements for the operation of facilities on land under the control or supervision of the agency where such licenses are necessary, in the discretion of the executive director, for the improved utilization of state lands and facilities and deemed by the executive director to be in the public interest. The license agreements must first be approved by the state building commission and the attorney general and reporter.<br /> <br /> This bill authorizes the license agreements for the operation of facilities under this bill to be made if it meets the following criteria:<br /> <br /> (A) The license term does not exceed three years, and may be terminated by the director, without cause; and<br /> <br /> (B) The license agreement is entered into only after written proposals have been solicited by advertisement in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the facility is located.<br /> <br /> WILDLIFE CLASSIFICATION<br /> <br /> Present law provides that Class I live wildlife includes all species inherently dangerous to humans. These species may only be possessed by zoos, circuses and commercial propagators, except as otherwise provided in the law regarding exotic animals. The Tennessee fish and wildlife commission, in conjunction with the commissioner of agriculture, may add or delete species from the list of Class I wildlife by promulgating rules. Present law provides that all poisonous species of snakes are considered inherently dangerous. This bill changes the word "poisonous" to "venomous".<br /> <br /> TRANSPORTATION OF REPTILES<br /> <br /> Present law requires poisonous reptiles to only be transported in a strong, closely woven cloth sack, tied or otherwise secured. Such sack must then be placed in a box. The box must be of strong material in solid sheets, except for small air holes, which shall be screened. Boxes containing poisonous reptiles must be locked and prominently labeled “Danger — Poisonous Snakes” or “Danger — Poisonous Reptiles,” and must include the owner's name, address, telephone number and list of number and species being transported. This bill adds "venomous snakes" to the transportation requirements of the present law.<br /> <br /> PERMIT<br /> <br /> Present law requires a person to obtain and possess a permit for each propagating location before any person is authorized to engage in the business of propagating or otherwise obtaining Class I or Class II wildlife for sale, barter or trade, whether indigenous to this state or not. This bill adds to the present law by providing that a personal possession permit is not required to be purchased in addition to a propagation permit.<br />