HB 957 would require eligible Tennessee state employees to receive six workweeks of paid leave when they become foster parents to a minor child. This applies to full-time state employees who have worked continuously for at least 12 months with qualifying state entities (such as agencies or boards). The leave ends when the foster placement concludes, and employees cannot exceed six workweeks of paid leave for foster placements within any 12-month period. The bill expands existing state employee leave policies to include foster parenting, aligning with definitions in Tennessee law.
SB 218 creates a presumption that defendants charged with offenses involving firearm use/display or causing serious injury/death should not be released on personal recognizance before trial. This directly affects individuals facing these specific charges and requires magistrates to document written reasoning if they override this presumption. The bill mandates that magistrates include specific written findings for each factor considered when determining bail, rather than relying on general discretion. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-11-115 and takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 22 requires Tennessee local governing bodies (like city councils and school boards) to set aside dedicated time during public meetings for community members to comment on **any issue relevant to their work**, not just topics listed on the agenda. This amendment to Tennessee’s open meetings law (TCA Title 8, Chapter 44) expands public participation by mandating a formal comment period for all germane matters. The key change ensures residents can address concerns before the governing body votes, regardless of whether those topics appear on official meeting agendas. This applies to all covered local government bodies across Tennessee, enhancing transparency in decision-making.
This bill is a joint resolution that formally honors and commends the Mt. Juliet Fire Department for the grand opening of its new Fire Station 3. The resolution recognizes the department's long-standing service to the community and acknowledges the upcoming ceremonial event scheduled for March 6, 2026, which will mark the opening of the new facility on Old Lebanon Dirt Road. The document serves as an official record of appreciation for the firefighters and first responders who protect lives and property in Mt. Juliet, Wilson County, and the State of Tennessee. This legislative action does not change any laws or policies but instead provides a formal acknowledgment of the department's achievements and future service capabilities.
This bill is a joint resolution that formally honors Coleman Root, a student from Independence High School, for achieving a perfect score of 36 on the ACT exam. The resolution recognizes his academic accomplishments, including high scores on the PSAT, extensive Advanced Placement coursework, and participation in cross country athletics. It serves as a commendation to the student and his community rather than establishing new laws or policies. The document is ceremonial in nature and does not create any binding requirements or changes to existing regulations.
This bill is a joint resolution that formally commends Major Stacey Heatherly on her retirement from the Tennessee Highway Patrol. It recognizes her service as East Bureau Major of Field Operations and acknowledges her previous work as Campbell County E-911 Coordinator and Director. The resolution highlights her professional achievements and personal contributions to the community, including her family's military service. The document serves as an official record of appreciation rather than establishing new laws or policies.
This Tennessee House Joint Resolution formally recognizes Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. The bill honors the school's history since its founding in 1876 by the Dominican Sisters and acknowledges its contributions to education and the community. It expresses legislative support for the school's mission of developing students through academic excellence and faith-based values. The resolution serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new laws or funding.
This Tennessee House Joint Resolution honors and congratulates the citizens of Cheatham County on the 170th anniversary of its founding in 1856. The resolution acknowledges the county's historical significance, including its establishment from neighboring counties, its namesake Edward Saunders Cheatham, and its development along the Cumberland River. It formally recognizes the community's contributions to Tennessee's cultural, educational, and economic growth over the past century and a half. The document serves as a ceremonial gesture to celebrate the county's heritage and wishes it continued prosperity.
This bill is a joint resolution that formally honors Edyth Ann Worthy on the occasion of her 100th birthday. It directly affects Ms. Worthy by officially recognizing her life achievements and contributions to her community. The resolution acknowledges her educational background, career as an educator and coach, and various personal milestones. No new laws or policies are created; the measure serves solely as a ceremonial tribute to a centenarian citizen.
This bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally recognizes William "Bill" F. Knowles, the Hamilton County Clerk, on the occasion of his retirement. The resolution honors his 52 years of public service, during which he implemented significant modernization initiatives such as digitizing county records, enabling online vehicle renewals, and installing self-service kiosks for residents. It highlights his leadership in improving public access to services and generating additional revenue through fleet registration programs. The measure serves as a ceremonial tribute rather than establishing new policy requirements.
This legislative bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors and commends Drew Holcomb, a singer-songwriter from Tennessee, for his dedication to and love for the state. The resolution recognizes Holcomb's career as a cultural ambassador who promotes Tennessee through his music and public life, highlighting his roots in Memphis and his family life in Nashville. It serves as an official expression of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly rather than creating new laws or policies. The document will be presented to Holcomb as a symbolic gesture of recognition for his contributions to the state's cultural heritage.
This bill is a joint resolution that formally honors the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion festival on its 25th anniversary. It recognizes the event's role in preserving Appalachian musical heritage, boosting local tourism, and strengthening community ties across Bristol, Tennessee, and Bristol, Virginia. The resolution expresses appreciation for the festival's organizers, volunteers, and leadership, particularly noting its growth since 2001 and its management by the Birthplace of Country Music nonprofit. No new laws or funding are created; the measure serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the festival's cultural and economic contributions to the region.
