New Regulatory Boards Laws Benefit Tennessean Professionals, Consumers Starting July 1, 2026

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 11:16am

NASHVILLE – New legislative measures taking effect July 1, 2026 reduce red tape, provide greater clarity, and expand opportunities for professionals who are licensed through the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Regulatory Boards.  

Enforcing Tennessee’s laws, TDCI’s Division of Regulatory Boards licenses and regulates more than 357,000 Tennesseans across 26 regulatory programs, overseeing professionals and businesses statewide. Together, these programs uphold established professional standards, strengthen consumer protection through timely and effective complaint resolution, and provide education across regulated professions and industries. 

“The regulatory changes taking effect July 1 provide a valuable update of state laws that increase our Department’s commitment to responsible regulation without lessening our dedication to consumer protection,” said Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Carter Lawrence. “I commend the members of the Tennessee General Assembly for their work during this recently completed legislative session.”  

A brief synopsis of the changes and links to the various bills can be found below.  

  • Overall Regulatory Reform Bill. Key changes include: 
    • Combines the boards for Architects and Land Surveyors. 
    • Allows contractors to utilize a bond in lieu of financial documents when applying for licensure.  
    • Terminates Polygraph Examiner license. 
    • Exempts makeup applicants from Cosmetology licensure, among other changes.  
  • Detection Services Licensing Program Changes for Security Guards. Key changes include: 
    • Reserve officers, part-time officers, and auxiliary officers are exempt from licensure provided that they meet the training requirements.  
    • Licensees must notify the program of an arrest, citation, or conviction within 10 days. (Previously notification had 30 days).  
    • PSOs must renew every two years. (Previously, there was no renewal requirement.) 
    • Law enforcement working security can wear their police uniform if they have been authorized by the law enforcement agency. 
  • New Pathway to Engineering Licensure. Creates a new engineering pathway to licensure for applicants with an accredited engineering technology degree who meet certain educational and training requirements. 
  • Vacation Lodging Services Licensure Exemption. Exempts real brokers and affiliate brokers from vacation lodging service licensure and continuing education requirements, provided they are supervised by a principal broker.  

TDCI's Division of Regulatory Boards programs include the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, the Detection Services Licensing Program, the Tennessee Real Estate Commission, the Board for Licensing Contractors, the Motor Vehicle Commission, the Board of Professional Bondsmen, among others.  

For more information about the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, visit tn.gov/commerce. 

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