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SB 2589

Tennessee Arts Commission - As introduced, reconstitutes the commission. - Amends TCA Title 4.

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

Reconstitutes the Tennessee Arts Commission with revised 5-year terms and specific appointment duties for governor and legislative leaders.

Signed by Senate Speaker
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Bill Summary · SB 2589

Summary: SB 2589 / HB 2220 (Tennessee) – Reconstitutes the Tennessee Arts Commission

Jurisdiction: Tennessee | Session: 114 | Purpose: Reconstitute and revise the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC)

1) Main Purpose and Intent

  • Reconstitutes the Tennessee Arts Commission, revising its composition, appointing authorities, and term structure.
  • Aims to redefine governance while maintaining the existing structure of the commission (15 members) and the current funding/compensation framework (no member compensation; travel reimbursements allowed).

2) Key Provisions and Changes

Composition and Appointments

  • The TAC will consist of 15 members who are citizens of Tennessee and representative of performing, visual, and literary arts.
  • The Governor appoints one member from each of Tennessee’s 9 U.S. congressional districts (for a total of up to 9 appointees).
  • The Senate Speaker appoints one member from each of Tennessee’s 3 grand divisions (Eastern, Middle, Western).
  • The House Speaker appoints one member from each of Tennessee’s 3 grand divisions (Eastern, Middle, Western).
  • On June 30, 2026 the current TAC is vacated; new appointments take effect starting July 1, 2026.

Term Structure and Scheduling

  • Initial staggered terms to establish continuity:
    • Governor appointments:
    • From districts 1-3: 3-year terms (expire June 30, 2029)
    • From districts 4-6: 4-year terms (expire June 30, 2030)
    • From districts 7-9: 5-year terms (expire June 30, 2031)
    • Senate Speaker and House Speaker appointments:
    • Eastern grand division: 3-year term (exp. June 30, 2029)
    • Middle grand division: 4-year term (exp. June 30, 2030)
    • Western grand division: 5-year term (exp. June 30, 2031)
  • All subsequent appointments: 5-year terms, beginning July 1 and expiring June 30.
  • No member serving a full five-year term may be reappointed during the following one-year period.
  • Vacancies are filled for the balance of the unexpired term in the same appointment method as the original terms.
  • When a member’s term ends, they may continue serving until a successor is appointed.

Operations and Compensation

  • Members do not receive compensation for their service but are reimbursed for actual and necessary travel expenses.
  • Travel reimbursements must comply with state travel regulations as approved by the Attorney General and Reporter.
  • The Commission will elect a chair and other officers annually.

3) Who/What Is Affected

  • State: Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC) governance structure and appointment process.
  • Appointing authorities: Governor, Senate Speaker, House Speaker will have revised voting/jurisdictional roles for TAC membership.
  • Members: 15 positions (no change in total number; but distribution by district/grand division and term structure are redefined).
  • Operational aspects: No change to compensation policy; travel reimbursements remain subject to state rules.

4) Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Effective Date: July 1, 2026.
  • Stage Reset: The TAC is vacated on June 30, 2026; new appointments take effect July 1, 2026.
  • Initial term expirations are staggered to 2029, 2030, and 2031 depending on the appointing authority and district/grand division.
  • Ongoing terms thereafter are 5 years, with standard turnover every five years and a one-year cooling-off period before reappointment eligibility.

Fiscal Impact

  • Described as NOT SIGNIFICANT.
  • No change in the number of members or travel reimbursement framework; prior travel costs cited for context (FY22-23 to FY24-25: $11,178 to $14,026).
  • Administrative and travel costs are not expected to rise as a result of the bill.

Additional Notes

  • The bill passed the Senate with amendments and was transmitted through the usual legislative process, with final signing actions occurring in April 2026.
  • Primary sponsor: Senator Jackson; Co-sponsor: Representative Alexander.

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

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