HB 243 Tennessee House · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Sunset Laws - As enacted, extends the department of mental health and substance abuse services to June 30, 2029. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 4, Chapter 3.

HB 243 extends the legal existence of Tennessee's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services until June 30, 2029, preventing its automatic termination. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections 4-29-246 and 4-29-250 to remove the department's previous sunset date and formally define it within state law. This affects the department's ongoing operations and the Tennessee residents who rely on its services. The law became effective April 29, 2025, after passing through the legislature.
Bill status in committee 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 27, 2025 Last action Apr 29, 2025
Floor votes · House Apr 14, 2025

How they voted

990
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 100
Apr 14, 2025
D Democratic22
21 Yea 1
95% Yea
R Republican78
78 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
10
Key actions
4
Committee
4
Apr 14, 2025
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (99-0-1)
house
Apr 9, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on cal. Calendar & Rules Committee for 4/10/2025
lower
Mar 17, 2025
Lower · Passed
Rec. for pass; ref to Calendar & Rules Committee
lower
Mar 12, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on cal. Government Operations Committee for 3/17/2025
lower
Feb 3, 2025
Committee
P2C, ref. to Government Operations Committee
lower
Jan 27, 2025
Introduced
Intro., P1C.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Justin Lafferty
Justin Lafferty
RRepublican
TN
89