Sen. Adam Lowe

Maddy summarySB 317 requires individuals acting as agents for foreign governments deemed "hostile" (China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran) to register with Tennessee’s Ethics Commission before engaging in political activities. It also mandates that Tennessee-based political organizations receiving funding from these nations within the past five years must register. The law requires detailed disclosures, including financial sources, activities, and ownership structures, to be filed within 10 days of becoming an agent. This aims to increase transparency about foreign influence on state-level politics and elections.

Maddy summarySB 16 prohibits Tennessee public schools from using public funds to join athletic associations that restrict student participation based on limited school transfers (allowing only one transfer without penalty). The bill requires athletic associations to comply with open meeting laws and undergo annual audits by the state comptroller to ensure transparency. It also establishes procedures for schools to notify athletic associations about students in foster care, with strict consent requirements under privacy laws. The legislation affects public schools, athletic associations, and student athletes by changing how school funding is allocated for athletic participation rules. This bill is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2260 changes the deadline for the Tennessee Department of Education to compile and publish a directory of apprenticeship program contacts for each public high school, moving the date from September 1 to November 1 annually. This bill directly affects the Department of Education, which must now complete this annual task later in the school year. The key provision is the adjusted publication deadline, with no changes to the directory's required content or scope. The bill does not alter the underlying requirement for public high schools to provide apprenticeship contact information.

Maddy summarySB 1950 modifies Tennessee's driver license rules to allow certain individuals to obtain a for-hire endorsement for Class D vehicles. It specifically waives the standard two-year unrestricted driving requirement for applicants who: (1) completed a sentence of incarceration for an offense, (2) currently hold a restricted license due to unpaid fines/court costs, and (3) are making payments under a court-approved plan. This change directly affects people with past convictions who are resolving financial obligations through structured payment plans. The bill does not alter other eligibility criteria like age, vehicle type, or character requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1027 requires the Tennessee Department of Education to submit its annual early grades reading report by October 15 each year (previously a less specific deadline). It updates which legislative committees receive this report, directing it to the Senate Education Committee and the House committee with education jurisdiction. This procedural bill affects the Department of Education and the specified legislative committees, streamlining the reporting process without changing the report's content or educational policies.

Maddy summarySJR 610 proposes adding a constitutional amendment to Tennessee's state constitution that would establish a fundamental right for all residents to save and exchange seeds, grow and harvest their own food, and choose what to eat for personal nourishment, as long as they do not trespass, steal, or harm property or resources. The amendment would specifically protect growing food on residential, agricultural, or mixed-use land without violating local zoning laws, provided individuals respect property rights. However, the state would retain authority to regulate or prohibit the cultivation of plants that produce controlled substances. This resolution is a step toward amending the constitution, requiring further legislative approval and voter ratification.

Maddy summarySB 1572, the "Safe Highways and Roads Enforcement (SHARE) Act," adds fines to traffic violation and DUI convictions in Tennessee. Courts must assess a $25 fine for non-commercial moving violations, $50 for commercial vehicles, and $100 for DUI offenses. All additional fines collected are deposited into the state highway fund for road maintenance and infrastructure improvements. This directly affects drivers convicted of moving traffic violations or DUI, with no double fines if both charges apply (only the $100 DUI fine is applied in such cases). The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, for offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summarySB 226, the "Tennessee Professionals' Freedom of Religion Act," would prohibit state licensing agencies from denying, revoking, or suspending professional licenses (such as for doctors, therapists, or real estate agents) based on an individual's sincerely held religious beliefs or moral convictions. It specifically protects licensed professionals who refuse to affirm religiously conflicting statements, express their beliefs in professional settings (without compromising service standards), or provide faith-based services meeting industry standards. The bill also prevents real estate brokers' organizations from denying MLS access or membership based on religious beliefs unrelated to real estate transactions. This proposed law applies to most licensed professions but excludes law licenses (unless the Supreme Court adopts it) and is currently pending in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee.

Maddy summarySB 2261 requires nonprofit organizations in Tennessee that receive state or federal grants to publicly post all employee salaries on their website. This applies specifically to tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in the state. The bill mandates that salary information be compiled, maintained, and updated every six months in a publicly accessible location. Nonprofits failing to comply could face lawsuits, with courts ordering corrective action and awarding legal costs to successful plaintiffs.

Maddy summarySB 2033 requires Tennessee employers who make mental health evaluations a condition of employment or hiring to provide employees and job applicants with reasonable access to the evaluation results, including reports from mental health professionals. This applies to all employers (including state agencies) and directly affects workers and job seekers who undergo such evaluations. The bill creates a private right of action, allowing individuals to sue employers who deny access to results and seek court orders, attorney fees, and costs if they win. The law takes effect upon enactment, ensuring transparency in employment-related mental health assessments.