Sen. Adam Lowe

Maddy summarySJR 847 is a symbolic resolution designating March 24, 2026, as "Outdoors Day on the Hill" in Tennessee to honor the Tennessee Outdoor Partnership (TOP) for its work advancing outdoor recreation, conservation, and economic development. It formally commends TOP and its coalition of state agencies (including Environment and Conservation, Agriculture, and Tourism) and partners (like The Nature Conservancy and Tennessee Wildlife Federation) for connecting natural resource investments to community health and economic growth. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial recognition of TOP's role in promoting Tennessee's outdoor heritage. It directs the General Assembly to join in celebrating this event, which will feature policymaker engagement on outdoor initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Tennessee's property tax rules for agricultural, forest, and open space land (greenbelt classification). When owners sell such land, they no longer face liability for back taxes (rollback taxes) that would otherwise apply. Instead, the buyer must submit a new application to maintain the tax break, but the seller won't owe back taxes regardless of whether the buyer renews the classification. The rule takes effect July 1, 2026, for property sales on or after that date.

Maddy summarySB 1953 requires Tennessee public schools and charter schools to show a state-approved civics instructional video at least once per year to students in grades 6-8 and 9-12 as part of their social studies curriculum, starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The video must be historically accurate, avoid political advocacy, and specifically cover the Declaration of Independence preamble and the religious beliefs of founding fathers. Schools must use a video approved by the state board of education by July 2027, which cannot be created for this purpose. This bill directly affects all Tennessee public and charter schools serving those grade levels.

Maddy summarySB 178 would require Tennessee local governing bodies (like city councils or school boards) to set aside time at every public meeting for citizens to comment on *any* issue relevant to the body's responsibilities - whether or not it's on the official agenda. The bill amends Tennessee's open meetings law to mandate this expanded public comment period, ensuring residents can address topics beyond the pre-set agenda. It directly affects all local government bodies covered by Tennessee's open meetings statutes. The change aims to increase public engagement by making it easier for community members to share input on matters impacting their jurisdiction.

Maddy summarySB 2263 modifies Tennessee law to allow the Attorney General's office to submit its annual consumer affairs report electronically instead of in paper form. This change affects the Attorney General's office, which must now file the report with the General Assembly using electronic methods, and the General Assembly, which receives the report. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee Code (Titles 29, 37, 39, and 47) to update the reporting requirement, adding "and may be submitted electronically" to the relevant provision. It is a procedural update with no new consumer protections or policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 1573 amends Tennessee's assisted suicide law to criminalize intentionally advising or encouraging another person to commit suicide within an imminent timeframe, provided the advisor knows the person has communicated suicidal intent. This directly affects individuals who verbally encourage suicide, expanding the offense beyond merely providing means or participating in the act. Key provisions require both knowledge of the person's suicidal intent and the intent to incite immediate suicide, with sentencing set as a Class D felony (Class C if the victim is a minor). The law takes effect July 1, 2026, applying to acts committed on or after that date.

Maddy summarySB 1955 amends Tennessee's criminally negligent homicide law to define "criminally negligent conduct" as including failing to render aid to someone unconscious or needing medical care after controlled substance use, when the bystander knows or should know about the substance connection. It directly affects individuals who witness medical emergencies involving drugs but choose not to assist. The key provision expands the criminal definition to cover such inaction, making it a specific element of the offense. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies to cases involving controlled substances as defined in Tennessee law.

Maddy summarySB 328 deletes an outdated requirement that previously mandated the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center at the University of Tennessee to study statewide energy policy feasibility by December 15, 2014, and submit a report to the House energy task force. This procedural bill removes a specific section of Tennessee law (TCA Title 49, Section 49-9-1410) that expired years ago, eliminating a now-irrelevant obligation with no ongoing impact on the university or state energy planning.

Maddy summarySB 1227 renames "handgun carry permits" to "firearm carry permits" across Tennessee law and allows permit holders to carry any legally owned firearm - not just handguns - under the permit. The bill updates over 30 sections of Tennessee code by replacing all instances of "handgun" or "handgun carry" with "firearm" or "firearm carry." This change directly affects current permit holders, who will no longer be restricted to carrying only handguns and can carry any firearm they legally possess. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 912 deletes outdated sections (c)-(h) from Tennessee's school grading system implementation law (TCA § 49-1-228). This bill directly affects the administrative framework for school grading by removing obsolete language that no longer applies. The key mechanism is a simple deletion of specific legal provisions without creating new requirements or changing how schools are graded. It is a procedural update to streamline existing law, not a policy change. The bill does not alter school grading standards or affect students, schools, or educators.