Sen. Adam Lowe

Maddy summaryTennessee's SB 728 allows utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) to operate on county roads and state highways with a 45 mph speed limit or less, subject to specific rules. It requires UTVs to be titled, registered, and covered by liability insurance, with operators aged 16+ needing a valid driver's license and all occupants wearing helmets. Safety equipment mandates include brakes, lights, roll bars, seat belts, and operational headlights during operation. The law exempts UTVs used for agriculture, recreational trails, or public safety purposes (like wildlife management) from registration and certain safety requirements. It restricts operation to daylight hours (30 minutes before dawn to 30 minutes after dusk) and prohibits use on interstates or controlled-access highways.

Maddy summarySB 179 amends Tennessee election law to define "district" for municipal elections as any geographical area - such as a precinct, ward, or region - used to nominate and elect candidates. This change directly affects local election administration by standardizing terminology in municipal election rules. The bill does not alter voting procedures or requirements, only clarifying the scope of "district" in existing code. It became law as Public Chapter 187 on April 28, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 170 requires Tennessee courts to suspend a minor's driving privileges or driver's license for one year when a juvenile is found delinquent for an act that would be considered harassment through bullying or cyberbullying. This policy change directly affects minors convicted of these specific offenses, adding a mandatory driving suspension to their court disposition. The bill amends Tennessee law (Title 37, 39, and 55) to implement this requirement, effective July 1, 2025. It does not create new offenses but modifies existing juvenile court sentencing options for bullying and cyberbullying cases.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 122) commemorates the 100th anniversary of Tennessee's 1925 Education Act, which established the state's first uniform public school system. The resolution honors Governor Austin Peay's legacy and recognizes how the 1925 Act addressed high adult illiteracy by creating standardized teacher licensing, a state salary schedule, and funding mechanisms that later supported institutions like the University of Tennessee at Martin. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any individuals or entities; it simply formally acknowledges this historical milestone. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Senate on April 10, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 146 allows child welfare authorities to subpoena a student’s complete public school attendance history - including all previous years - at any time during an educational neglect case. The bill amends Tennessee law to require that such subpoenas comply with federal privacy laws like FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). It directly affects child welfare agencies handling neglect cases, schools (as record keepers), and students whose records may be requested. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not change existing privacy protections for student records.

Maddy summarySB 780 allows honorably discharged Tennessee National Guard members to receive a "veteran" designation on their driver's licenses. It amends Tennessee law to explicitly include National Guard veterans in the existing veteran designation program. To qualify, applicants must provide documentation such as a DD-256 discharge certificate or NGB Form 22 showing an honorable discharge. This change directly affects National Guard members who have completed service with an honorable discharge. The bill specifies the required documents but does not alter other license requirements.

Maddy summarySB 318, the "Tennessee Genomic Security and End Organ Harvesting Act," prohibits Tennessee health insurers from covering organ transplants sourced from the People's Republic of China or performed there, effective January 1, 2026. It also bans medical and research facilities from using genetic sequencing equipment or software produced by or linked to "foreign adversaries" (defined as nations on U.S. sanctions lists), requiring replacement within 180 days. The bill restricts storage of genetic sequencing data to U.S. geographic locations and prohibits remote access from outside the U.S. without state health commissioner approval. These provisions directly affect health insurers, hospitals, and research facilities operating in Tennessee.

Maddy summarySB 349 exempts commissioned reserve deputy sheriffs and reserve/auxiliary police officers from Tennessee's private protective services licensing requirements when they work as compensated security guards, patrols, or watchpersons under contract with state-licensed private businesses. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 38-39-103(a), 39, and 62-35-103 to create this exemption. It directly affects law enforcement personnel working in private security roles who meet the specified contract and licensing conditions. The policy change removes a regulatory barrier for these officers when providing security services under existing state-licensed business contracts.

Maddy summarySJR 219 is a memorial resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Lewis Theodore "Ted" Gobble, a Cleveland, Tennessee, public servant, community leader, and lifelong church member who died. The resolution expresses the Assembly's condolences to his family and commemorates his life of service, including his military career, 33-year work at Magic Chef, and roles in church leadership. It has no policy impact or funding changes - it is a symbolic tribute with no concrete legislative effect. The resolution was signed by both chambers and the Governor on March 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 2-8, 2025, as "Arts in Education Week" in Tennessee to recognize the value of arts education. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the role of arts (including music, visual arts, and theater) in developing students' critical thinking, creativity, and academic success, as highlighted by state data showing 30% of students lack arts course access. The resolution was passed unanimously by both chambers and signed by the Governor.