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HB 1593

Sunset Laws - As introduced, extends the professional art therapist advisory committee of the board of examiners in psychology to June 30, 2031. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 63, Chapter 11, Part 4.

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

Tennessee extends art therapist advisory committee oversight through 2031, maintaining professional regulation under psychology board authority.

Comp. SB subst.
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Bill Summary · HB 1593

Legislative bill overview

HB 1593 extends the sunset date of Tennessee's professional art therapist advisory committee (under the board of examiners in psychology) from its current expiration date to June 30, 2031. The bill amends state law to keep this regulatory advisory body operational for an additional five-year period.

Why is this important

Sunset laws require government bodies to be periodically reauthorized, forcing legislatures to actively review whether agencies remain necessary and effective. This bill determines whether Tennessee will continue regulating and overseeing art therapists as a profession, affecting licensure standards, consumer protections, and professional oversight in the mental health field.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory necessity: Questions about whether the art therapist advisory committee has demonstrated sufficient value and consumer protection outcomes to warrant continued existence and public resources
  • Scope of psychology board authority: Debate over whether art therapy should remain under psychology board oversight or deserves separate regulatory framework
  • Automatic renewal vs. active review: Some may argue that sunset extensions should require more rigorous justification rather than routine passage

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

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