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SB 1506

Sunset Laws - As enacted, extends the board of social worker licensure to June 30, 2031. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 63, Chapter 23.

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

Tennessee extends the Board of Social Worker Licensure operations through June 30, 2031, preserving professional licensing oversight for approximately 30,000 state social workers.

Pub. Ch. 555
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Bill Summary · SB 1506

Legislative bill overview

SB 1506 extends the sunset date for Tennessee's Board of Social Worker Licensure from its previously scheduled termination to June 30, 2031. This gives the regulatory board an additional period of operation before it would be subject to automatic dissolution under Tennessee's sunset law provisions. The bill amends sections of the Tennessee Code related to regulatory boards and social worker licensing requirements.

Why is this important

Sunset laws require periodic legislative review of regulatory agencies, forcing lawmakers to affirmatively reauthorize them or allow them to expire. By extending the Board's sunset date to 2031, Tennessee ensures continuity in social worker licensing, credential verification, and professional standards enforcement without interruption. This affects approximately 30,000+ licensed social workers in the state and protects consumers who rely on credentialed professionals.

Potential points of contention

  • Automatic renewal vs. performance review: Critics of blanket sunset extensions argue that reauthorization should be contingent on demonstrated board performance rather than automatic, potentially allowing underperforming agencies to continue.
  • Regulatory burden: Some may contend that extending licensure board authority perpetuates occupational licensing requirements that increase costs for social workers entering the profession.
  • Legislative efficiency: Opponents might view routine sunset extensions as legislative time spent on formalities rather than addressing substantive policy gaps or problems with the board's operations.

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

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