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SB 59

Sunset Laws - As enacted, extends the Chickasaw basin authority to June 30, 2031. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 64, Chapter 1, Part 2.

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

Tennessee extends the Chickasaw basin authority's legal existence through June 30, 2031, preventing its automatic expiration under sunset law provisions.

Pub. Ch. 4
#sunsetlaws
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Bill Summary · SB 59

Legislative bill overview

SB 59 extends the legal authority of the Chickasaw basin authority—a regional water management or governance body—until June 30, 2031, rather than allowing it to expire under existing sunset provisions. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated statutes governing state administration and local governance structures.

Why is this important

Sunset laws automatically terminate agencies or authorities unless legislatures actively reauthorize them, serving as a check on government expansion. This extension ensures the Chickasaw basin authority can continue its operations and fulfill its statutory responsibilities for another six years without interruption, affecting water management, development, or regional coordination in that basin area.

Potential points of contention

  • Lack of performance review: Sunset extensions sometimes proceed without formal evaluation of whether the authority has effectively served its intended purpose or warranted continued existence
  • Limited transparency on justification: The bill summary does not indicate what specific evidence or testimony prompted the extension decision
  • Regional impact specificity: Without knowing the basin authority's exact duties and stakeholder groups, it's unclear whether all affected parties (municipalities, agricultural users, environmental groups, etc.) were adequately consulted

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

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