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SB 1500

Sunset Laws - As enacted, extends the board of dentistry to June 30, 2031. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 63, Chapter 5.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ed Jackson

Extends the Board of Dentistry’s existence to June 30, 2031, delaying its sunset and preserving ongoing regulatory operations.

Pub. Ch. 636
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Bill Summary · SB 1500

Summary: SB 1500 (Session 114) – Sunset Extension for Board of Dentistry (Tennessee)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill extends the termination date of the Board of Dentistry to June 30, 2031. Under Tennessee law (the Governmental Entity Review Law), the Board is currently scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2026. SB 1500 delays that sunset date by five years.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amends Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA):
    • Section 4-29-247(a): The bill deletes subdivision (5) from this subsection.
    • Section 4-29-252(a): Inserts a new subdivision recognizing the Board of Dentistry (created by TCA § 63-5-101) as a body subject to periodic review and continuation.
  • Section 3 states the act takes effect upon becoming law, with the public welfare requiring it (i.e., immediate effect upon signing).

Who/what would be affected

  • The Board of Dentistry and its regulatory functions in Tennessee.
  • Governmental entities review framework (sunset process) as it applies to the Board of Dentistry, ensuring its continued operation beyond 2026.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Legislative history shows passage through both chambers in early 2026, with the bill signed by the Governor and effective April 1, 2026. Public Chapter 636.
  • Fiscal note indicates the change is not expected to have a significant fiscal impact.
    • The Department of Health notes a historical deficit for the Board (e.g., $1,040,331 deficit in FY 2024-25 on a budget of $1,474,085 for that period) and a requirement that health-related boards be self-supporting over a two-year period per Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-29-121. The fiscal note classifies the act as continuing the board at its current funding level, implying no new funding appropriation is attached to this sunset extension.

Practical implications

  • The Board of Dentistry will continue to operate beyond 2026, maintaining its regulatory framework for licensing, discipline, credentialing, and related activities.
  • Lawmakers did not institute a new funding mechanism or overhaul regulatory powers; the extension is primarily a continuation authorization.
  • Entities regulated by the board (dentists, dental hygienists, dental facilities, and related professionals) will maintain existing regulatory oversight without interruption due to sunset.

Summary

SB 1500 extends the Board of Dentistry's statutory life to June 30, 2031, aligning with the Tennessee sunset review process by delaying termination and recognizing the board as an ongoing regulatory entity. The bill is designed to preserve current operations without new funding changes, taking effect upon the law’s enactment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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