NASHVILLE - House Speaker Beth Harwell, R-Nashville, is trying to assure the state's sportsmen that the existence of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission will be extended to 2016.
The 2016 extension passed the Senate. But it was deferred in the House Government Operations Committee on May 11, throwing the commission into "wind down," meaning it will go out of existence on July 1, 2012 unless the General Assembly acts next year.
"I can confidently assure Tennesseans that the TWRC will continue to lead the way for outdoorsmen and conservationists in our state," Harwell said in a statement. "The legislature appreciates hearing from concerned sportsmen and constituents."
The commission, Harwell said, "will not shut down, and will continue to serve Tennesseans. The State House will be acting in January to ensure the extension of the TWRC."
She did not explain why the House took no action.
The 13-member commission governs Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, which has the responsibility of preserving, managing, improving and protecting the state's wildlife and enforcing boat laws.