Environmental Protection

The bill aimed to give the commissioner more time to set the boundaries for scenic river areas in Tennessee, increasing the timeframe from two years to 27 months after a river segment is added to the scenic rivers system. This change was intended to allow for better planning and management of these natural resources. However, the bill ultimately did not pass.

TN HB2202 is a house bill in the Tennessee 114th General Assembly, sponsored by Kelly Keisling (R), currently “Failed” since March 31, 2026.

We track 9,160 Tennessee bills this session, 132 of them sponsored by Kelly Keisling.

Supporters of the bill argued that extending the timeframe for designating scenic river boundaries would enhance environmental protection efforts and ensure thorough assessments of river segments. They believed it would lead to better management of Tennessee's natural beauty and resources, benefiting both the environment and tourism.

Critics of the bill contended that extending the designation period could delay important environmental protections for scenic rivers. They feared that the additional time might allow for more development and degradation of these natural areas, undermining conservation efforts in Tennessee.

The analysis of HB2202, which pertains to environmental protection and specifically extends the time for designating scenic river areas, reveals no direct conflicts of interest with Representative Kelly Keisling's personal financial interests. Keisling's primary occupation as an insurance agent and owner of Keisling Insurance Agency does not intersect with the environmental protection sector or the specific legislative subjects of water quality and hazardous waste. Additionally, his roles as director of The Children's Center of the Cumberlands and his financial assets in National Financial Services and Raymond James do not suggest any direct or indirect financial benefit from the proposed legislative changes. The bill's focus on environmental regulation does not align with the sectors in which Keisling holds financial interests, indicating a low risk of conflict.

Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.

Items marked "AI-researched" are generated from public sources but have not been independently verified. Verified data is sourced from official legislature websites and disclosure filings.