Sen. Todd Gardenhire

Primary SB 2304

Signed into law · Tennessee Senate · Lead sponsor

Bail, Bail Bonds - As enacted, requires a defendant for whom a bench warrant is issued due to failure to appear on a felony or a Class A or Class B misdemeanor that is violent or sexual in nature as determined by the court, or who is charged with a failure to appear, to be placed on any available state or federal list or database as a fugitive from justice, without limitation, within 10 business days of the defendant's failure to appear; makes related changes. - Amends TCA Section 40-11-139 and Section 40-11-142.

Maddy summaryThis law requires that individuals who skip court for violent or sexual felony charges, or certain misdemeanors, be added to fugitive databases within ten days of their absence. It also mandates that police officers check for prior arrests or convictions before setting bail amounts and record these findings in official files. These changes aim to improve tracking of defendants who fail to appear in court and ensure judges have relevant history when deciding on bail.

Signed into law May 31, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary SB 795

Signed into law · Tennessee Senate · Lead sponsor

Real Property - As enacted, enacts anti-squatter laws. - Amends TCA Title 29 and Title 66.

Maddy summaryThis law clarifies the rules for ending legal disputes over property ownership when someone has been absent for a long time. It specifically states that these rules do not apply to property interests that were already settled by a court order or agreement before July 1, 2015. The change ensures that older, finalized cases are not reopened under new timelines, while allowing current cases to proceed according to the updated statutes.

Signed into law May 29, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary SB 2205

Signed into law · Tennessee Senate · Lead sponsor

Local Government, General - As enacted, removes jurisdictional exceptions to prohibition on discrimination against first responders based upon residency with respect to employment; prohibits all local governments in this state from discriminating against first responders with respect to employment based on residence. - Amends TCA Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 41 and Title 68.

Maddy summaryThis law prohibits local governments in Tennessee from discriminating against first responders in employment based on where they live. Previously, some rules allowed exceptions to this protection, but this bill removes those exceptions to ensure all first responders are treated equally regardless of their residency status. The change applies to various state codes governing employment and public services, effectively closing a loophole that could have led to unfair treatment.

Signed into law May 13, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary SB 2793

Passed · Tennessee Senate · Lead sponsor

Judges and Chancellors - As enacted, requires a judge who enters into a deferred discipline agreement regarding a matter before the board of judicial conduct to sign an affidavit stating that the judge consents to the recommendation of the investigative panel, the consent is freely and voluntarily rendered, there is a pending proceeding involving allegations of misconduct, which must be specifically set forth in the affidavit, and the facts set forth in the affidavit are true; requires the affidavit to be filed with the board upon its approval by a hearing panel. - Amends TCA Title 16 and Title 17.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires judges in Tennessee who agree to a deferred discipline agreement to sign a sworn statement confirming their consent is voluntary and truthful. The affidavit must specifically list any pending misconduct allegations and be filed with the judicial conduct board after approval. This change aims to create a formal record of the judge's agreement to the disciplinary process.

Passed May 13, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 2095

Signed into law · Tennessee Senate · Lead sponsor

Education, Higher - As enacted, requires each public institution of higher education to establish a policy framework to promote the security of academic research conducted at the institution to mitigate against the risk of foreign influence. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 7.

Maddy summaryThis enacted law requires all public universities in Tennessee to create a policy framework designed to protect their academic research from foreign influence. The new rules mandate that each institution appoint a specific research security officer responsible for managing classified information, tracking foreign contacts, and ensuring compliance with federal standards. Additionally, the University of Tennessee system and the state's community college system may designate a single officer to oversee these security duties across multiple campuses. The legislation aims to maintain eligibility for federal funding by establishing clear internal procedures for handling sensitive research data.

Signed into law May 13, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary SB 2202

Signed into law · Tennessee Senate · Lead sponsor

Local Education Agencies - As enacted, requires each local board of education and public charter school governing body to adopt a code of conduct for visitors for each school under the authority of the board or governing body that describes the types of acceptable behavior from visitors on school grounds. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 1; Title 49, Chapter 2 and Title 49, Chapter 6.

Signed into law May 9, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary SJR 1416

Signed into law · Tennessee Senate · Lead sponsor

Memorials, Recognition - Tennessee Society of the Sons of the American Revolution -

Signed into law May 2, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary SB 2495

Passed · Tennessee Senate · Lead sponsor

Probation and Parole - As enacted, requires a probation officer to set required in-person meetings at times and locations that reasonably accommodate the work schedule of the probationer; authorizes the probation officer to utilize a technology portal for communication with the probationer in place of an in-person meeting upon approval from the department of correction. - Amends TCA Title 40.

Passed May 1, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SJR 1363

Signed into law · Tennessee Senate · Lead sponsor

Memorials, Recognition - Jasmine Thomas, 2024 Boys & Girls Club of Tennessee State Youth of the Year -

Signed into law Apr 24, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary SB 2964

Passed · Tennessee Senate · Lead sponsor

Pikeville - Subject to local approval, increases the monthly salary for the members of the board of aldermen from $150 to $500 a month. - Amends Chapter 574 of the Private Acts of 1939; as amended.

Passed Apr 22, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track