Sen. Todd Gardenhire

Maddy summarySB 406 expands which Tennessee courts in Shelby County can handle petitions for orders of protection. It allows criminal courts to process these petitions when the same court is already hearing a related criminal case involving domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking victims. This change eliminates the need for victims to seek protection orders in a separate court, streamlining the process while the criminal case is active. The bill directly affects survivors of these specific crimes in Shelby County who are navigating both criminal and protection proceedings. The law took effect on April 24, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 256 allows criminal defendants in Tennessee who previously entered a guilty plea, "best interest" plea, or no-contest plea to later petition a court for a special review (writ of error coram nobis) if they have new evidence proving their actual innocence. This new evidence must not have been known to them at the time of their plea, such as DNA results or witness testimony. The bill requires courts to hold a hearing if the petition is valid, with the defendant needing to prove innocence by "clear and convincing evidence" to get a new trial. It applies to all convictions regardless of trial type and removes filing fees for these petitions. This change directly affects defendants seeking to overturn pleas based on newly discovered evidence.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 124) commends Natalie Pyron for her service as a legislative intern for Senator Todd Gardenhire during Tennessee's 2025 legislative session. It recognizes her academic work (history degree with political science minor at UTM), prior internships, and community involvement. The resolution formally honors her contributions to the legislative process but does not create any new laws or affect policy. It is a ceremonial recognition with no binding effect on state operations.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 226 honors the Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution (TNSSAR) on the occasion of its 135th anniversary. The resolution recognizes the organization's work in preserving American history, promoting patriotism through community service (including donating over 4,000 flags to Tennessee schools and supporting veterans), and advancing educational initiatives like student citizenship awards and historical contests. This symbolic resolution does not create legal obligations or provide direct benefits but formally commends TNSSAR's longstanding contributions to Tennessee's civic and patriotic heritage.

Maddy summarySB 213 allows Hamilton County residents to sell or buy previously titled antique or unique vehicles at designated auctions without needing a motor vehicle dealer license. The auctions must occur at a municipal convention center during a motor vehicle festival in Hamilton County (population 366,200-366,300 per 2020 census) and require festival proceeds to fund a local neurological institute. This exemption applies only to antique or unique vehicles and expires on October 22, 2025. The bill modifies Tennessee law to create this temporary exception for specific vehicle sales in Hamilton County.

Maddy summarySB 19 allows Tennessee's Attorney General and Reporter to investigate and prosecute criminal violations by judicial officials (such as judges) or district attorney generals. This authority applies only when the Attorney General has sufficient evidence of a crime and either the local district attorney would face a personal, financial, or political conflict of interest in prosecuting the case, or a nepotism violation has been reported. The law ensures that cases involving potential conflicts can be handled by the Attorney General's office without relying on the conflicted local prosecutor. It does not change existing criminal laws but clarifies the process for such investigations.

Maddy summarySB 595 requires Tennessee sheriffs to accept surrender of defendants from bail bond companies when there's "good cause," pending a court hearing to determine if that cause is valid. This affects bail bond companies, sheriffs, and defendants on pretrial release by changing how surrenders are handled. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA 40-11-132) to mandate that sheriffs accept these surrenders immediately rather than rejecting them without court review. It establishes a clear process where a court - not the sheriff - decides if the surrender reason (e.g., defendant fleeing) is justified. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee as of April 2025.

Maddy summarySB 418 increases caps on lawsuits against local Tennessee governments under the Tort Liability Act. It sets new limits: $750,000 for injury/death of one person, $1.5 million for all injuries/deaths in an incident, and $250,000 for property damage. These changes would apply to claims filed on or after July 1, 2025. The bill failed in the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 8, 2025, so it did not advance to become law.

Maddy summarySB 215 establishes new penalties for selling hemp-derived cannabinoid products to people under 21 in Tennessee. It requires a minimum 48-hour jail sentence and $500 fine for anyone convicted of knowingly selling such products to minors. The law also prohibits retailers from allowing employees under 21 to access, handle, or sell these products on store premises. These provisions amend Tennessee Code sections governing retail sales and criminal penalties, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 346 is a non-binding legislative resolution expressing the Tennessee General Assembly's support for regulating or banning Kratom sales within the state. It directly affects convenience stores and retailers selling Kratom products (sold as capsules, powders, or liquids), as well as consumers who purchase it as an unregulated "herbal supplement." The resolution cites health risks including over 2,000 national overdose deaths linked to Kratom, lack of safety labeling, and a specific case of a young man’s fatal overdose involving Kratom. It urges Tennessee to adopt stricter controls or an outright ban, aligning with actions taken by other states and countries that have classified Kratom as a controlled substance.