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HB 1595

Sunset Laws - As enacted, extends the sex offender treatment board to June 30, 2034. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 39, Chapter 13, Part 7.

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

Extends Tennessee's Sex Offender Treatment Board operations through June 30, 2034, maintaining state oversight of offender treatment programs and provider licensing.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 567
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Bill Summary · HB 1595

Legislative bill overview

HB 1595 extends the sunset date for Tennessee's Sex Offender Treatment Board from its previously scheduled termination to June 30, 2034. This continuation allows the board to maintain its regulatory oversight and licensing functions for sex offender treatment programs and professionals for an additional eight-year period.

Why is this important

The Sex Offender Treatment Board establishes standards for treatment providers working with sex offenders in the state criminal justice system. Without sunset extensions, the board would cease operations, potentially creating gaps in oversight of treatment quality and practitioner qualifications, which could affect both public safety and rehabilitation outcomes for offenders in treatment.

Potential points of contention

  • Automatic sunset mechanism critiques: Some argue sunset laws create unnecessary legislative busy-work that diverts attention from other issues, while others contend they're essential accountability measures requiring periodic re-evaluation of agency necessity
  • Treatment effectiveness questions: Debate exists over the evidence base for sex offender treatment programs and whether continued government investment in treatment versus incapacitation approaches is the most effective use of resources
  • Stakeholder interests: Treatment providers benefit from continued board regulation and licensing requirements, which some may view as protective while others see as limiting market entry and competition

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

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