Sunset Laws - As introduced, extends the Tennessee State University, board of trustees to June 30, 2029. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 49, Chapter 8.

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

Extends the Tennessee State University Board of Trustees’ tenure to June 30, 2029, with minor status clarifications under the Governmental Entity Review Law.

Transmitted to Governor for action.

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Title and Purpose

Full Title: An Act to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 49, Chapter 8, relative to the Tennessee State University, board of trustees.

Primary aim: Extend the termination date of the Tennessee State University (TSU) Board of Trustees to June 30, 2029. The board is currently scheduled to terminate under the Tennessee Governmental Entity Review Law on June 30, 2026.

Key Provisions

Section 1: Removes a subdivision (67) from T.C.A. § 4-29-247(a). (Housekeeping/structure change related to government entity review.)

Section 2: Adds a new subdivision to T.C.A. § 4-29-250(a) recognizing the Tennessee State University Board of Trustees as a separate entity created by §§ 49-8-101 and 49-8-201. (Clarifies status under the Governmental Entity Review Law.)

Section 3: Effective date as provided by law (takes effect when the act becomes law, per standard language "the public welfare requiring it").

Note: The substantive policy action is the extension of the TSU Board of Trustees’ existence beyond the current termination date.

Who/What Is Affected

Tennessee State University (TSU) and its governance structure:

The TSU Board of Trustees is retained beyond the usual termination date to June 30, 2029.
The board’s status remains under the governance framework established by TSU statutes (Title 49, Chapter 8) and related sections identified in the bill.

The bill interacts with the Tennessee Governmental Entity Review Law (GERV) by reaffirming the board as a separate entity and adjusting its status under GERV for purposes of sunset review and continuation.

Fiscal and Administrative Impact

Fiscal Note: Not significant.

The bill does not create new funding; it maintains the board at its current funding level.
Historical expenditures cited by the university: approximately $260,770 (FY 2023-24) and $18,363 (FY 2024-25) for board activities.

Practical impact: Continuation of existing governance operations without material changes to funding or staffing levels.

Timeline and Procedural Details

Legislative path:

Introduced and progressed through Senate and House proceedings in early 2026.
Senate: Passed 2/9/2026; transmitted to House.
House: Passed on 4/6/2026; enrolled and sent to the Governor.
Governor action: As of the latest update, transmitted to the Governor for action (4/15/2026 notice).

Effective date: Upon becoming law (as standard with “public welfare requiring it” language).

Practical Implications for Stakeholders

TSU, its students, faculty, and governance stakeholders:

Ensure continuity of the TSU governance framework without disruption through June 30, 2029.
Board oversight and policy development can proceed under the established statutory framework for the extended period.

State and administrative offices:

Minimal fiscal impact; no new funding necessitated by the extension.

Summary

SB 1561 / HB 1618 extends the tenure of the Tennessee State University Board of Trustees to June 30, 2029, ensuring continued governance for TSU beyond the standard sunset date of June 30, 2026. The bill makes minor legislative adjustments to align the board with the Tennessee Governmental Entity Review Law and clarifies its statutory status, with no significant changes to funding or operations. The measure has progressed through the legislative process and was transmitted to the Governor for action in April 2026.

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