House Bill 2220, also known as Senate Bill 2589, proposes significant changes to the structure and appointment process of the Tennessee Arts Commission. The bill establishes a commission consisting of fifteen members who represent various fields of the performing, visual, and literary arts. It mandates that the current commission, as it exists on June 30, 2026, will be vacated on July 1, 2026, and new members will be appointed. The governor will appoint one member from each of the nine congressional districts, while the speakers of the Senate and House of Representatives will each appoint one member from each of the three grand divisions of the state.

To ensure staggered terms for the newly appointed members, the bill outlines specific initial term lengths based on congressional districts and grand divisions. Members from the first three congressional districts will serve three-year terms, those from the fourth to sixth will serve four-year terms, and members from the seventh to ninth will serve five-year terms. Additionally, the bill includes provisions regarding reappointment eligibility, the filling of vacancies, and reimbursement for expenses incurred by commission members. All administrative rules in effect as of June 30, 2026, will remain valid until amended or repealed. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4-20-101, 4-20-102
Amended with SA0530 -- 03/05/2026: 4-20-101, 4-20-102