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HB 1572

Sunset Laws - As introduced, extends the department of children's services to June 30, 2029; requires the department to report back to the government operations committee by December 31, 2026, to update the committee on its progress in addressing the findings and observations set forth in the December 2025 performance audit report. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 37, Chapter 5.

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

HB 1572 extends the Department of Children’s Services and requires a formal progress report to lawmakers on addressing the 2025 audit findings.

Rec. for pass. if am., ref. to Calendar & Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1572

Summary of HB 1572 (Session 114) – Tennessee

Purpose and intent

HB 1572, as introduced, seeks to extend the life of the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) in Tennessee and require ongoing reporting to a legislative committee. The bill modifies the termination date of the department and directs a progress report in response to findings from a December 2025 performance audit.

Key provisions

  • Extension of DCS termination date:
    • The bill extends the termination date for the Department of Children’s Services to either June 30, 2029 (per some bill summaries) or June 30, 2028 (per the Fiscal Review memorandum). The related fiscal note indicates the government entity would terminate under the Tennessee Governmental Entity Review Law on June 30, 2026 if not extended; the bill sets a new extension of life for the department. Note: there are two versions in circulation with slightly different end dates (June 30, 2028 or June 30, 2029). The enacted version should be clarified in final statute.
  • Authorization of department under existing law:
    • The bill amends Tennessee Code to reaffirm the Department of Children's Services as an active department, including its statutory creation references (4-3-101 and 37-5-101).
  • Reporting requirement:
    • DCS must report back to the Education, Health, and General Welfare Joint Evaluation Committee by December 31, 2026. The report should address progress in addressing findings and observations from the December 2025 performance audit conducted by the Division of State Audit.
  • Effective date:
    • The act takes effect upon becoming law, with the public welfare requiring it.

Affected parties and impact

  • Department of Children’s Services:
    • The primary entity affected; the bill extends its existence and requires targeted reporting on audit findings.
  • Legislative committees:
    • Education, Health, and General Welfare Joint Evaluation Committee will receive a formal progress report by the end of 2026.
  • State budget considerations:
    • The fiscal notes indicate the bill would not require significant additional funding; current funding levels ($1.527 billion total for FY 2025-26, broken down across state, federal, and other sources) are assumed to remain sufficient to support the department’s operations and reporting activities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Next steps:
    • If enacted, DCS must prepare and submit a comprehensive progress report by December 31, 2026 addressing the December 2025 audit findings.
  • Political process:
    • The bill has been assigned to committees (Government Operations; Education, Health, and General Welfare) and has companion Senate and House sponsorship (Sen. Jackson; Rep. Lafferty). It has progressed through the legislative calendar with multiple readings and referrals.

Bottom line

HB 1572 aims to (1) extend the existence of Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services beyond the previously scheduled termination date, (2) mandate a formal report to lawmakers on the department’s progress in addressing audit findings, and (3) maintain current funding levels while implementing the required reporting. The exact termination date in the version presented appears to be June 30, 2028 or 2029, with the administrative guidance indicating 2028; final language should confirm the precise date.

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

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