WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 1538

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 Ed Jackson

Extends the Sex Offender Treatment Board’s termination to June 30, 2034, delaying automatic dissolution and broadening a future sunset to include entities created in 2032.

Pub. Ch. 567
#sunsetlaws
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1538

Legislative Bill Summary – SB 1538 / HB 1595 (Session 114, Tennessee)

Title and Purpose

  • Title: Sunset Laws – As enacted, extends the sex offender treatment board to June 30, 2034.
  • Primary aim: Extend the statutory termination date for the Sex Offender Treatment Board (SOTB) and certain state governmental entities, delaying automatic dissolution under the Tennessee Governmental Entity Review Law.

What the Bill Does (Key Provisions)

  1. Extends the termination date for the Sex Offender Treatment Board (SOTB)

    • Current law scheduled termination: June 30, 2026.
    • New termination date under this bill: June 30, 2034.
    • The SOTB is created under § 39-13-704 and is administratively attached to the Department of Corrections.

  2. Sunset/Termination framework (new section 4-29-255)

    • New section establishing that, in addition to the SOTB, other government entities created during calendar year 2032 would terminate on June 30, 2034.
    • Subsection (a) explicitly lists the SOTB as one of the entities terminated on June 30, 2034.
    • Subsection (b) allows any governmental entity terminated under this section to be continued, reestablished, or restructured pursuant to the Tennessee Governmental Entity Review Law.

  3. Miscellaneous amendments

    • Section 1: Amends § 4-29-247(a) by deleting subdivision (44). (No further detail provided in summary text.)
    • Section 3: States the act takes effect upon becoming law (public welfare requiring it).

Who Would Be Affected

  • Sex Offender Treatment Board (SOTB) and its administrative linkage to the Department of Corrections. The extension preserves SOTB’s existence beyond 2026 to 2034.
  • Other government entities created in 2032 may be terminated on June 30, 2034, unless continued, reestablished, or restructured under the Tennessee Governmental Entity Review Law.
  • Government departments, commissions, boards, agencies, or councils that were created during the 2032 calendar year may be subject to termination on the extended date unless exempted or continued under law.

Fiscal Impact

  • Described as not significant.
  • Fiscal note indicates:
    • The SOTB is administratively attached to the Department of Correction.
    • Past expenditures reported: $736 in FY 2023-24; $0 in FY 2024-25 (per the Department of Correction).
  • The bill effectively maintains current funding at existing levels for the SOTB and related entities, avoiding new budgetary demands solely due to the extension.

Effective Date and Legislative History

  • Effective date: Upon becoming law (the public welfare requiring it).
  • Enactment trail: Passed both chambers with unanimous or near-unanimous votes (Senate and House), signed by the Governor, and effective March 6, 2026, with public chapter designation (Chapter 567, 2026).

Why This Matters

  • Provides continuity for the SOTB’s regulatory and administrative functions related to sex offender treatment and oversight in Tennessee.
  • Introduces a broader sunset extension mechanism, potentially affecting other state entities created in 2032, subject to future continuations or restructurings under the standard sunset framework.

If you’d like, I can add a quick comparison to prior sunset dates or outline potential policy implications for enforcement, oversight, or administrative operations.

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

Sign in to ask a question.