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SB 1515

Sunset Laws - As introduced, extends the department of education to June 30, 2030. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 3; Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 49.

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

Extends the Tennessee Department of Education’s sunset to June 30, 2030, maintaining current funding and making minimal code updates.

Transmitted to Governor for action.
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Bill Summary · SB 1515

Summary: SB 1515 (Session 114) – Sunset Extension for the Department of Education

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill extends the termination date of the Tennessee Department of Education. Under current law, the department is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2026. SB 1515 extends this sunset date to June 30, 2030.
  • The bill amends the Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) to implement this extension and to adjust related cross-references in the law.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Extension of Department’s Termination Date:
    • Sets the Department of Education’s sunset date to June 30, 2030. This effectively keeps the department in continuous existence beyond the 2026 sunset.
  • Code Amendments:
    • TCA 4-29-247(a): The bill deletes subdivision (20) from this subsection. (Exact prior content not provided, but a deletion is part of the adjustment to align with the sunset extension.)
    • TCA 4-29-251(a): Adds a new subdivision detailing that the Department of Education is an entity created by §§ 4-3-101 and 4-3-801. This recognizes the department within the statutory framework and clarifies its status for the sunset extension.
  • Effective Date: The act takes effect upon becoming law, with the provision framed as “the public welfare requiring it.”

Who/What Is Affected

  • State Government Entity: The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) remains in operation beyond June 30, 2026, through June 30, 2030.
  • Statutory Framework: The amendment updates the references and structure within the state’s sunset and organizational statutes, ensuring the department’s continued existence fits within the governed review framework.
  • Fiscal Considerations: The bill does not introduce new funding; it notes that funding (for FY 2025-26) remains at current levels if the department continues, with a fiscal note stating “Not Significant.”
    • Fiscal impact is characterized as non-significant, maintaining the current funding level for ongoing operations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative History (Key Milestones):
    • January 7, 2026: Filed for introduction.
    • January 13-14, 2026: Passed in initial Senate action and placed on appropriate calendars.
    • February–April 2026: Passed Senate; transmitted to the House; enrolled and signed by leadership; transmitted to Governor.
    • April 2026: Governor action completed (as indicated by transmission and signing events).
  • Effective Date of Law: Immediate upon becoming law (no delayed or retroactive provision stated).

Fiscal Note (Summary)

  • Overall Impact: Not significant.
  • Current Funding Levels Referenced: Total department funding for FY 2025-26 is $9,122,437,200 (State $7,822,251,800; Federal $1,170,228,500; Other $129,956,900). The bill assumes continuation at current funding levels.

Bottom Line

SB 1515 extends the existence of the Tennessee Department of Education by four years, to June 30, 2030, by amending sunset provisions and related organizational references in the state code. The measure maintains current funding levels and does not introduce new programmatic changes beyond the organizational sunset extension.

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

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