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SB 1503

Sunset Laws - As enacted, extends the board of examiners in psychology to June 30, 2031. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 63, Chapter 11.

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

Extends the Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology’s existence to June 30, 2031, maintaining current funding and regulatory oversight.

Pub. Ch. 554
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Bill Summary · SB 1503

Summary: SB 1503 / HB 1562 (Tennessee, 114th Legislature)

Purpose and Intent

  • Extends the termination date of the Board of Examiners in Psychology to June 30, 2031.
  • Under current law, the board is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2026 under the Tennessee Governmental Entity Review Law.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Amends Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA):
    • Title 4, Chapter 29:
    • Section 4-29-247(a): Section 8 (subdivision (8)) is deleted. Purpose appears to remove a prior sunset-related provision specific to the board.
    • Section 4-29-252(a): Adds a new subdivision that explicitly references the Board of Examiners in Psychology created by § 63-11-101.
    • Title 63, Chapter 11: The bill references the Board of Examiners in Psychology as established in this chapter (consistency/clarification within the code).
  • Effective Date: The act takes effect upon becoming law (immediate effect once enacted and signed).

Who/What Is Affected

  • The Board of Examiners in Psychology (Tennessee state board responsible for licensing/oversight of psychology professionals).
  • State agencies and the Department of Health, which interact with the board and oversee health-related regulatory entities.
  • Licensees and applicants in psychology fields regulated by the board, who benefit from continued regulatory governance and oversight.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Termination/Sunset Extension:
    • Original sunset date: June 30, 2026.
    • Extended sunset date: June 30, 2031.
  • Legislative History Highlights:
    • Passed the Senate and House without opposition (Senate: 33-0; House: 94-0 with no negative votes or present not voting noted).
    • Signed by the Governor in February 2026; effective date confirmed as March 6, 2026 (public chapter 554).
  • Fiscal Note:
    • Classifies the fiscal impact as Not Significant.
    • The board is required to be self-supporting over a two-year period under Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-29-121.
    • Department of Health data cited indicates a recent surplus for the board (e.g., $18,788 surplus on $1,204,371 in FY 24-25) with ongoing cumulative reserves; the extension does not require new funding beyond existing levels.

Fiscal Implications

  • No new appropriation or increased funding proposed; continuation at current funding structure.
  • Self-supporting status maintained as per state law governing health-related boards.

Bottom Line

SB 1503 / HB 1562 prolongs the existence of the Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology through June 30, 2031, ensuring continued regulatory oversight of psychology professionals. The measure aligns statutory references, maintains the board’s funding posture, and has minimal anticipated fiscal impact. The act becomes effective upon signing into law.

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

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