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HB 1623

Sunset Laws - As enacted, creates sunrise provisions for certain governmental entities created during the 2025 legislative session. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29; Title 8, Chapter 4, Part 6; Title 34, Chapter 3 and Title 40, Chapter 11, Part 3.

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

Establishes automatic expiration dates for Tennessee government entities created in 2025, requiring legislative reauthorization to continue operations beyond specified periods.

Signed by Governor.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1623

Legislative bill overview

HB 1623 creates sunset provisions (automatic expiration dates) for certain governmental entities established during the 2025 legislative session in Tennessee. The bill modifies four separate sections of Tennessee Code Annotated covering administrative procedures, state personnel, workers' compensation, and criminal justice. These sunset provisions would require the legislature to affirmatively reauthorize these entities or allow them to automatically cease operations after a specified period.

Why is this important

Sunset provisions serve as a built-in accountability mechanism, forcing periodic legislative review of government programs and agencies rather than allowing indefinite operation. This approach can reduce government bloat and ensure outdated or ineffective agencies don't persist indefinitely, though it also creates uncertainty for agencies, employees, and stakeholders who depend on their operations.

Potential points of contention

  • Uncertainty and planning difficulties - Agencies operating under sunset provisions face budgeting and hiring challenges when their future is uncertain, potentially undermining operational effectiveness
  • Legislative burden - Sunset reviews require significant legislative time and resources; failure to reauthorize on schedule could inadvertently eliminate needed services
  • Selective application - The bill only applies to entities created in 2025, raising questions about why other agencies escape this scrutiny and whether this creates an inconsistent accountability framework

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

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