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HB 404

Sunset Laws - As enacted, extends the professional music therapy advisory committee of the board of examiners in psychology to June 30, 2027. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 63, Chapter 11.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Justin Lafferty

Tennessee extends its Professional Music Therapy Advisory Committee until June 2027, continuing regulatory advisory functions in music therapy standards and licensing.

Pub. Ch. 42
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Bill Summary · HB 404

Legislative bill overview

HB 404 extends the Professional Music Therapy Advisory Committee of Tennessee's Board of Examiners in Psychology until June 30, 2027. This is a sunset law extension, meaning the committee would have automatically dissolved without this legislative action. The bill amends sections of Tennessee Code Annotated related to psychology regulation and administrative oversight.

Why is this important

Sunset laws require periodic legislative reauthorization of agencies or committees, forcing deliberate decisions about whether they should continue. This extension means the music therapy advisory committee—which advises on professional standards, licensing, or education in music therapy—will continue providing regulatory guidance for another two years. Without extension, the committee's expertise and institutional knowledge would be lost, potentially creating regulatory gaps in music therapy oversight.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope clarity: The bill doesn't specify what the advisory committee actually does, making it unclear whether the extension addresses a genuine regulatory need or is largely ceremonial
  • Sunset law accountability: Automatic reauthorization without documented review of the committee's effectiveness may reduce legislative scrutiny of whether the body justifies its continued existence
  • Resource allocation: Cost-benefit analysis of maintaining the committee isn't publicly evident, raising questions about administrative burden versus tangible benefit

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

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