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

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

Extends the Department of Human Services’ sunsetting date from 2026 to 2030, maintaining current funding and structure.

Transmitted to Governor for action.

Title and Purpose

Official Title: An Act to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 4, Chapter 3, relative to the Department of Human Services.

Primary aim: Extend the termination date of the Department of Human Services (DHS) under the Tennessee Governmental Entity Review Law, delaying its sunsetting from June 30, 2026 to June 30, 2030.

Key Provisions

Section 1: Repeal/modify

Amends TCA 4-29-247(a) by removing subdivision (22) (the precise content of the removed subdivision is not provided in the summary, but this indicates a restructuring/removal within the list of entities or provisions subject to the sunset review).

Section 2: Sunset/Continuity

Adds a new subdivision to TCA 4-29-251(a) establishing the Department of Human Services as a governmental entity that is subject to continuation beyond the current sunset date, specifically noting DHS as created by §§ 4-3-101 and 4-3-1201.

Section 3: Effective Date

Provides that the act takes effect upon becoming law, i.e., it is in force immediately as a public welfare requiring it.

Timeline and Procedural Aspects

Sunset Extension: The Department of Human Services will not terminate on June 30, 2026, but will continue operation through June 30, 2030.

Legislative Process: The bill followed the standard Tennessee legislative process, with passage through Senate and House and formal signing:

Introduced early January 2026
Passed both chambers in February–April 2026
Signed byHouse Speaker, Senate Speaker, and enrolled for signatures in April 2026
Transmitted to the Governor for action on April 15, 2026

Effective Date: Immediate upon enactment.

Fiscal Impact

Assessed Fiscal Impact: Not Significant

The extension maintains current funding levels for the department.

Based on the Work Program Budget Year 2026, the Department’s total funding for FY 2025-26 is approximately $4.77 billion:

State funds: about $318.5 million
Federal funds: about $4.396 billion
Other funds: about $55.34 million

Who is Affected

Department of Human Services (DHS): The primary entity affected, as its sunsetting date is extended.

State and federal program beneficiaries: Recipients and providers under DHS programs will continue to be served without interruption through 2030 under current funding and operations.

General Assembly and state government: Maintains continued oversight and continuation under the Tennessee Governmental Entity Review Law.

Practical Implications

Administrative continuity for DHS programs, including welfare, social services, child and family services, and related public assistance programs, without interruption due to sunset.

No explicit changes to DHS structure, funding levels, or program design are proposed beyond the extension of its legal life.

Future sunset review considerations will likely resume or be reassessed at or before June 30, 2030, unless further legislation is enacted.

Summary

SB 1517 extends the life of the Department of Human Services in Tennessee, delaying its termination from June 30, 2026 to June 30, 2030, while preserving current funding and organizational structure. The act becomes effective immediately upon enactment and codifies DHS as a continuing government entity under the sunset review framework.

Bill