Tennessee Considers Legalizing Pet Raccoons

Proposed bill would lift permit fees and regulations for owning domesticated raccoons

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:37am

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A Tennessee bill sponsored by Republican lawmakers would make it easier for residents to own pet raccoons. The proposed legislation would lift the current permit fee and certain regulations as long as the raccoon is obtained from a legal source, vaccinated, and not captured from the wild. Some lawmakers say many Tennesseans have expressed interest in owning a pet raccoon, which is currently illegal in the state.

Why it matters

The bill reflects a growing interest among some Tennessee residents to own raccoons as pets, despite concerns from others that the animals belong in the wild. If passed, it could open the door for more people to legally keep raccoons in their homes, raising questions about the practicality and safety of such pets.

The details

The Republican-backed bill, sponsored by Sen. Joey Hensley and Rep. Kip Capley, would allow Tennesseans to own pet raccoons as long as the animal is obtained from a legal source, vaccinated, and not captured from the wild. A possession permit from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency would also be required. Some lawmakers say they have received hundreds, if not thousands, of inquiries from residents interested in owning a pet raccoon.

  • The bill is set to receive a final vote in the Tennessee Senate on Monday, March 23, 2026.
  • If passed, the legislation would go into effect on July 1, 2026.

The players

Sen. Joey Hensley

The Republican sponsor of the bill in the Tennessee Senate.

Rep. Kip Capley

The Republican sponsor of the bill in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Dalton Kinman

A Tennessee resident who says he would get a pet raccoon if the bill passes, noting the animals are intelligent and friendly.

Rep. Jeremy Faison

A Republican lawmaker who says many Tennesseans have expressed interest in owning a pet raccoon.

House Majority Leader William Lamberth

A Republican lawmaker who says people who currently own pet raccoons, legally or illegally, cherish them as they would any other pet.

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What they’re saying

“We'd cuddle it just like a cat in the mornings, hang out, and maybe train it to grab me a soda out of the fridge, because [they've] got the thumbs. Let's use it!”

— Dalton Kinman

“You'd be surprised how many people in Tennessee have reached out and said, 'We can't wait for one of these. I'm so excited, thank you!' Lots and lots. Hundreds, maybe thousands.”

— Rep. Jeremy Faison, Republican Lawmaker

“We make light of that some, but I will tell you for the folks that do have these as pets, either legally or outside the law, which we don't recommend, it's a big deal to them. They do cherish them as they would any other pet.”

— House Majority Leader William Lamberth, Republican Lawmaker

What’s next

The bill is still working its way through the committee process in the Tennessee House of Representatives. If passed by both chambers, the legislation would go into effect on July 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The proposed bill to legalize pet raccoons in Tennessee highlights the growing interest among some residents to keep these animals as domestic pets, despite concerns from others about the practicality and safety of such an arrangement. The outcome of this legislation could set a precedent for how states approach the regulation of exotic pets.