Sen. Adam Lowe

Maddy summaryThis bill rewrites the city charter for Niota, Tennessee, replacing its existing legal framework with a new set of rules. It directly affects the City of Niota by defining its official boundaries through detailed geographic descriptions and outlining the powers of its mayor and board of commissioners. The new charter grants the city authority to levy taxes, incur debt, issue bonds, acquire property, condemn land for public use, and manage public utilities. The bill also allows the city to annex additional property in the future, subject to state law requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1771 would allow counties with populations under 341,500 (per 2020 census) to prohibit municipalities from enforcing zoning rules outside their city limits. If a county passes a resolution approving this, any existing zoning ordinances applied beyond municipal boundaries become invalid. The bill requires counties to adopt this resolution via majority vote, but does not apply to metropolitan counties or prevent counties/municipalities from making interlocal agreements for ongoing projects. This directly affects local governments' authority over land use planning in unincorporated areas.

Maddy summarySB 2027 allows Tennessee counties or municipalities to request a state highway traffic noise study for nearby homes when trees (a "tree zone") are removed behind those homes for reasons unrelated to highway construction, and no existing noise barrier or natural shielding is present. It directly affects residents living adjacent to state or interstate highways who experience increased noise after tree removal. The bill requires a local government resolution to trigger the study, which assesses noise impact without mandating a solution. This policy change provides a formal process for communities to evaluate noise concerns after tree-clearing events.

Maddy summarySB 2025 creates a pilot program for criminal magistrates in Tennessee's 10 counties with the highest criminal court caseloads, as determined by the state comptroller's annual study. Participating counties must first pass a local ordinance to authorize the position, after which judges (excluding general sessions judges) appoint the magistrate to handle specific duties like initial court appearances, setting bail, accepting guilty pleas for misdemeanors and certain felonies, and issuing warrants. The magistrate serves a four-year term and can be removed by the judges, with compensation set by the judges and approved by the county legislature. This program begins January 1, 2027, and is limited to counties that choose to participate.

Maddy summarySB 1823 shortens payment timelines for state contracts in Tennessee, requiring state departments and agencies to pay businesses within 30 days of receiving an invoice (down from 45 days). It also mandates annual reports by January 10 each year, starting in 2027, detailing the number and total amount of late payments made in the prior year, along with unpaid interest. This applies directly to all state entities contracting for property or services, including departments like transportation and education. The bill aims to improve cash flow for businesses by reducing payment delays and increasing transparency through mandatory reporting to legislative committees.

Maddy summarySB 2030 requires sexual offenders and violent sexual offenders to notify campground owners or operators in advance if they plan to stay overnight at a campground. This applies directly to individuals subject to Tennessee's sex offender registration requirements. The bill makes it a Class E felony to stay overnight without providing this notice, punishable under existing legal penalties. The law amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 40, Chapter 39, Part 2, and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1822 requires Tennessee Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to permit high school students enrolled in private schools with fewer than 200 students - located within the LEA’s boundaries - to participate in interscholastic athletics at their zoned public high school. This applies only if the student resides within the LEA, meets the athletic organization’s eligibility rules, and the public school is part of a governing athletic association. The bill does not guarantee team selection or override existing eligibility rules set by athletic associations. It takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year, directly affecting small private school students in Tennessee LEAs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution formally recognizes Thomas Crye upon his retirement from the Bradley County Commission. The bill acknowledges his twelve years of service as a commissioner and highlights his contributions to local education and school facilities. It authorizes the General Assembly to present a copy of the resolution to Crye as a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution from the Tennessee General Assembly honoring the Cleveland High School Blue Raiders boys' wrestling team for winning the 2026 state championship. It specifically recognizes the team's achievement of securing their ninth consecutive state title and lists the individual athletes and coaches involved in the victory. The resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment of the team's success and does not alter any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors the Cleveland High School Lady Raiders girls' wrestling team for winning the 2026 state championship. It officially recognizes the team's undefeated season and lists the specific student athletes and coaches who contributed to their victory. As a commemorative resolution, the measure does not change any laws or policies but serves to publicly acknowledge the team's achievements. Once signed, a copy of the resolution will be prepared for presentation to the school.