Tennessee House Bill HB0285

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/25
• Refer: 3/12/25
• Refer: 4/7/25
• Chaptered: 5/13/25
• Passed: 5/13/25

Caption

AN ACT relative to agency rules scheduled to expire pursuant to the provisions of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 5.

Summary

HB0285 extends the life of certain Tennessee agency rules that would otherwise expire under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. Specifically, it applies to permanent rules filed with the secretary of state on or after January 1, 2024, that were in effect when the act became law and were scheduled to expire on June 30, 2025. Those rules will remain in force until the relevant agency repeals or amends them, or until they are superseded by later legislation. The bill also makes clear that this extension does not protect a rule if it conflicts with another legislative enactment outside the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. In other words, the measure preserves the continued operation of certain administrative rules, but it does not override conflicting statutes.

Impact

The bill changes the default expiration date for a defined set of agency rules under Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 4-5-226, effectively preventing automatic sunset on June 30, 2025 for qualifying rules. It affects state agencies that promulgate permanent rules, the secretary of state’s rule filing system, and regulated parties subject to those rules. The act preserves regulatory continuity unless and until agencies act to repeal or amend the rules or the General Assembly enacts superseding legislation.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests the bill had support but was not unanimous in committee. The House Government Operations Committee recommended passage by a 10-6 vote, indicating a generally favorable but divided view. No committee transcript was provided, so there is no recorded debate to show broader public or member sentiment beyond the committee vote and the bill’s successful enactment.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely the policy choice to keep agency rules in effect past their scheduled expiration date. Supporters would view this as avoiding regulatory gaps and preserving continuity for agencies and regulated industries, while opponents may see it as weakening legislative oversight or allowing rules to persist without renewed review. The 10-6 committee vote indicates some members were concerned enough to oppose advancing the bill, though the specific objections are not documented in the provided materials.