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SB 1512

Sunset Laws - As introduced, extends the department of agriculture to June 30, 2030. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29; Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 1 and Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 2.

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

Tennessee extends the Department of Agriculture's authorization until June 30, 2030, preventing the agency's automatic dissolution under sunset law requirements.

Signed by Senate Speaker
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Bill Summary · SB 1512

Legislative bill overview

SB 1512 extends the sunset date for Tennessee's Department of Agriculture from its current expiration date to June 30, 2030. The bill amends multiple sections of Title 4 of the Tennessee Code Annotated to implement this extension. This is a routine administrative measure that prevents the department from automatically dissolving without legislative reauthorization.

Why is this important

Sunset laws require state agencies to be periodically reauthorized by the legislature or they cease to exist. Without this extension, the Department of Agriculture would have faced elimination, disrupting critical functions like crop regulation, livestock oversight, and agricultural market development. The near-unanimous passage (94-0) suggests broad agreement that the department should continue operating.

Potential points of contention

  • Lack of performance review: Sunset extensions don't always include rigorous evaluation of agency effectiveness, potentially allowing underperforming departments to continue unchanged
  • Limited legislative scrutiny: The bill's unanimous passage may indicate insufficient debate about departmental priorities, budget efficiency, or needed reforms
  • Four-year runway: The 2030 deadline is distant enough that accountability mechanisms may weaken before the next sunset review occurs

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

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