Sunset review extended to 2021
HB340 and SB221 extended the Tennessee Board of Dispensing Opticians sunset review to June 30, 2021, passing most committees unanimously.
Legislation (HB340 & SB221) extending the Tennessee Board of Dispensing Opticians sunset review until June 30, 2021 was passed in the House and Senate during the spring 2015 legislative session. The bills passed through most committees with unanimous votes because the Optician Board did not have any financial deficits, as was the case in the last sunset review, due to the increase in the license renewal fees. Communications to legislators stressing the importance of the licensed optician were also key in obtaining a positive vote.
TDOA officers, directors, and members along with Licensing Board members made numerous calls and emails to the senators and representatives in support of optician licensure and attended committee votes. Lobbyist Theo Morrison spoke directly with legislators on behalf of opticians and closely monitored the voting and legislative process. Thanks to the contributions of time and money (membership dues, PAC donations, etc.) from the TDOA membership, even the opticians who are not members and do nothing in support of their own profession may continue to practice with a license in Tennessee until 2021!