Tennessee House Bill HB1561

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/26
• Refer: 1/21/26
• Refer: 2/2/26
• Chaptered: 3/16/26
• Passed: 3/16/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 62, Chapter 2, relative to the board of examiners for architects and engineers.

Summary

HB1561 makes a technical change to Tennessee’s statutory list of state boards and commissions. It removes the Board of Examiners for Architects and Engineers from one section of the Tennessee Code that lists entities subject to certain administrative provisions, and adds that same board to a different section that specifically recognizes it as a board created under Title 62, Chapter 2. In practical terms, the bill appears to be a housekeeping measure intended to correct or update how the board is referenced in state law rather than to change the board’s substantive duties or authority. The bill is short and narrowly focused, with no new regulatory program, fee, or enforcement mechanism. It takes effect immediately upon becoming law, reflecting the legislature’s view that the change is administrative and should be implemented without delay.

Impact

The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 62, Chapter 2 by deleting the Board of Examiners for Architects and Engineers from one statutory listing and adding it to another. This affects the legal organization of state boards and commissions and clarifies the board’s placement within the state’s enabling statutes, but it does not appear to alter licensing standards, disciplinary authority, or the board’s core functions affecting architects, engineers, or applicants for licensure.

Sentiment

The available legislative history shows strong, noncontroversial support for the bill. It passed the House Government Operations Committee 10-0 and later passed the House on the consent calendar by a 93-0 vote, indicating broad agreement that the measure was routine and technical. No committee transcripts are available, and there is no evidence of opposition in the provided record.

Contention

There is little to no apparent contention around HB1561. Because the bill is a technical correction concerning the statutory listing of the Board of Examiners for Architects and Engineers, the main issue is likely simply ensuring the board is referenced in the proper code section. No lawmakers, agencies, or affected professional groups are shown in the record as raising objections, and the unanimous votes suggest the measure was viewed as administrative cleanup rather than a policy change.