Committee waives $150 possession fee for pet raccoons; veterinary group urges caution over rabies risk

Representative Capley presented an amendment to House Bill 24-99 that would authorize possession of a raccoon with a permit but without the $150 possession fee; the committee adopted the amendment and then heard expert public testimony before voting the bill forward.

Megan Fraser, representing the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association, identified herself and urged lawmakers to exercise "discretion and caution" if citizens consider having a raccoon as a pet. Fraser said raccoons are a primary wild reservoir for rabies and that, where raccoon rabies is established, raccoons account for a significant share of animal rabies cases. She warned that no rabies vaccine is licensed for raccoons and that a bite or saliva contact from a raccoon can trigger an urgent public-health response and a full course of post-exposure prophylaxis. "Keeping raccoons as pets can bring high-risk vector species directly into your home," Fraser said.

Committee members asked whether other states allow similar laws and about wildlife management efforts such as baiting programs; Fraser deferred those operational questions to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. After questions and brief sponsor discussion confirming the amendment leaves permitting in place but removes the fee, the committee approved HB 24-99 as amended, 13 ayes, 1 nay, 1 present not voting, sending it to Calendar and Rules.

What happens next: HB 24-99 will be placed on the calendar and may be considered by the full House. The committee hearing record includes veterinary concern about rabies risk and TWS/TWRA operational questions that may be addressed in subsequent floor debate or agency briefings.