Sen. Todd Gardenhire

Maddy summarySB 1660 raises the penalty for arson committed at a pregnancy resource center from a Class C to a Class B felony. It defines "pregnancy resource center" as a nonprofit organization providing counseling, financial aid, food, clothing, medical assistance, and adoption-related services to women and families facing unexpected pregnancies. The bill directly affects individuals who commit arson at these specific facilities by increasing potential criminal penalties. The key change is both the enhanced sentencing and the legally defined scope of the centers protected under this provision.

Maddy summarySJR 706 is a commemorative resolution honoring Junior Lee Hankins for his 44-year service as Bledsoe County commissioner - the longest tenure in county history. It recognizes his decades of public service, community contributions, and personal background, including his work as a farmer, coal miner, and community leader. The resolution has no policy provisions or financial impact; it solely serves to formally commend Hankins through a ceremonial gesture. This procedural resolution passed unanimously and was signed into effect in March 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1406 requires Tennessee state departments and agencies to submit annual reports on achieving economic efficiency to both the governor and legislative committees. This bill amends Tennessee Code Sections in Titles 3, 4, 8, and 9 to add the legislative committee reporting requirement to existing annual reporting obligations. The key change is directing agencies to share progress reports with the governor *and* the relevant legislative committees, not just the governor as previously required. This policy change focuses on enhancing transparency in government efficiency efforts through updated reporting procedures.

Maddy summarySB 2048 allows licensed nurse practitioners and physician assistants to testify as expert witnesses in most civil cases regarding medical diagnoses, treatment, and medical causes, provided they are properly qualified under Tennessee evidence rules. This applies to general civil lawsuits but explicitly excludes medical malpractice cases (under Title 29, Chapter 26) and workers' compensation claims (under Title 50, Chapter 6). The bill does not change existing rules for workers' compensation panels or allow these professionals to provide testimony on impairment ratings or work-relatedness in such cases. It focuses solely on expanding qualified expert testimony in non-excluded civil matters.

Maddy summarySB 2542 would change South Pittsburg's residency requirement for its City Administrator. Instead of requiring the administrator to live within the city limits, the bill would allow them to reside anywhere within a 50-mile radius of the city's boundaries. The administrator would have 90 days after starting the job to move into this 50-mile area. This change requires approval by a two-thirds vote of South Pittsburg's city council to take effect, and only impacts the City of South Pittsburg's local governance.

Maddy summarySB 2332 changes Tennessee's charter school laws by preventing certain public charter schools from later agreeing with local school districts to switch authorizers after appealing to the state commission. Specifically, it blocks schools that had their charter renewal approved by the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission (instead of the local district) from mutually agreeing to let the local board serve as their authorizer. The bill also gives the commission authority to set renewal terms between 5 and 10 years for these cases, replacing the previous automatic 10-year term. These changes directly affect public charter schools and the commission, altering how charter authorizations and renewal terms are managed.

Maddy summarySB 1662 creates a new fund to support public university athletics by collecting a 25% fee from sports wagering vendors (paid to the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council) and depositing it into a dedicated account. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission will award grants from this fund exclusively to eligible public four-year universities competing in at least three intercollegiate sports, to cover recruiting costs like travel, lodging, and materials for athletes. It excludes institutions governed by the Board of Regents and requires the Commission to prioritize grants for six locally governed state universities. Unspent funds carry forward annually, and the Commission must report annually on grant distribution and impact.

Maddy summarySB 1650 allows Masonic lodges in Tennessee to use sponsored corporations or limited liability companies (LLCs) to acquire, own, and lease property for lodge purposes. Specifically, it expands existing law to let these sponsored entities purchase or receive property by gift (like buildings, land, or equipment) for lodges, temples, or burial sites, and to lease property back to the lodges or others. The bill directly affects Masonic lodges and their legally formed sponsored business entities. It clarifies that property deeds must vest ownership in either the lodge or its sponsored entity, without impacting prior property transfers. This is a procedural update to Tennessee property law for fraternal organizations.

Maddy summarySB 2049 removes specific procedural requirements for charging violations of protective orders in Tennessee. It eliminates the need for courts to have made prior specific findings of fact about the violator’s opportunity to be heard, or to document that the violator committed a specific offense. This change directly affects individuals accused of violating protective orders and the courts processing those cases, streamlining the legal process. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 39-13-113 and 39-17-1316 and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "Matthew Davenport's Law," makes it illegal to possess Kratom (Class D felony), manufacture or sell it (Class B felony), or sell it to minors (Class A felony). It requires toxicology testing for drug overdose deaths and neonatal abstinence syndrome cases to include Kratom testing, and mandates adding Kratom to the definition of "drug" for workers' compensation claims. These provisions would directly affect Kratom users, distributors, healthcare providers conducting toxicology tests, and workers' compensation claimants. The law is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.