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TACIR adopts 2026–27 work program, approves cosmetology and speech therapy reports
Summary
Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations adopted an amended work program that includes seven statutorily directed studies, introduced two summer interns, and approved final reports on cosmetology & barbering and speech therapy with recommendations to create a hair‑styling specialty license and to pursue EHB updates for speech therapy coverage.
The Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations on July 1 approved its amended work program and voted to accept two final reports, moving several studies directed by the General Assembly into active research.
Deputy Executive Director Melissa Brown told commissioners the commission’s docket includes one amendment and seven statutorily directed studies covering topics such as emergency communications (public chapter 1103, acts of 2026), two artificial intelligence studies (one on child safety and one on economic and regulatory effects), school‑administered early childhood education, public notices, Crimestoppers, and a review of law enforcement compensation. Brown also introduced two summer interns, Hayden Phillips and Omar Watkins.
The commission voted on a motion to approve the work program (mover: Jeff Hoffman; second: Mayor Frank) and carried the motion via voice vote. The approved program sets deadlines where specified, including several studies due Jan. 31, 2027, and one due Sept. 1, 2027.
On final reports, the commission approved a cosmetology and barbering study that recommends creating a hair‑styling specialty license with fewer training hours to lower barriers to entry. Research associate Cameron Fox said the industry is growing, citing higher gross sales, rising enrollment in Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology programs, and nearly 5,794 certified hair braiders since the certificate’s adoption. Members questioned how much of the industry is self‑employed and whether economic impacts from certified braiders are fully captured; staff said available federal data do not separately identify self‑employed licensees and that they will seek additional information from the State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
The commission also approved a report on speech therapy services. Senior Research Associate Jennifer Arzate explained the report reviewed proposals that would have removed utilization review and visit limits for stuttering therapy and concluded that doing so could trigger increased costs and federal ACA defray obligations. The staff recommended that the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance instead consider updating the state’s Essential Health Benefits benchmark plan to increase the minimum annual number of speech therapy visits required in ACA plans, a targeted change that avoids state defrayal.
Both final reports were adopted by voice votes following discussion and clarifying questions about data and implementation timing. The commission's docket materials list additional upcoming presentations and a biennial report due next year.
The commission will incorporate written public comment already filed (including a submission from Peter Maher on public notices) into the relevant study records and will continue coordinating with state councils and agencies—such as the state AI council—where topics overlap.
