Sen. Todd Gardenhire

Maddy summarySB 1061 allows Hamilton County property tax officials to waive billing or collection of personal property taxes under $20 for individual taxpayers, if the county legislative body approves with a two-thirds vote. It requires officials to track these waived taxes by taxpayer and year, permitting collection later if the same taxpayer pays other taxes in a subsequent year. The bill specifically applies to Hamilton County (population 366,200-366,300 per 2020 census) and modifies existing tax collection procedures under Tennessee law. This change directly affects Hamilton County residents with minimal personal property tax obligations.

Maddy summarySB 296 allows Tennessee law enforcement officers to seize or impound vehicles found with installed license plate flippers (devices that allow drivers to switch plates to avoid detection). If the vehicle owner or operator is present, officers must first offer them a chance to safely remove the flipper. If removed, only the flipper itself can be seized as contraband; if the vehicle is impounded, the owner pays towing, impound, and removal fees. This law amends Tennessee Code sections related to traffic safety and vehicle regulations.

Maddy summarySB 465 removes a restriction in Tennessee law that previously limited legal immunity from arrest or charges for people experiencing drug overdoses to only their *first* overdose. The bill amends Tennessee Code §63-1-156(b) to allow immunity for subsequent overdoses if the person seeks emergency help. This directly affects individuals experiencing drug overdoses who contact emergency services, as they would no longer face arrest or prosecution for drug offenses during multiple overdose events. The key change is extending the existing immunity protection beyond the initial overdose, while maintaining the requirement to cooperate with emergency responders.

Maddy summarySB 11 requires Tennessee's Department of Education to publish a standardized form for schools to report student allergies on its public website. This affects all Tennessee public schools and families of students with allergies, as schools would need to use this specific form. The key provision replaces an existing requirement with a clear mandate for online availability, making the form easily accessible to parents and schools. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and would standardize how schools collect and share allergy information.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SJR 191), not a legislative bill. It honors Wyatt Davis, a Whitwell High School wrestler, for winning the 2025 TSSAA Class A wrestling state championship in the 144-pound weight class - the first individual state title in the school's history. The resolution recognizes his championship victory, his comeback from deficits in key matches, and his overall athletic achievements. It has no binding effect or policy changes; it solely serves as a formal expression of praise from the Tennessee General Assembly.

Maddy summarySB 596 requires trucks over 75 feet long hauling poles, logs, or timber to either use a trailer with a retractable rear safety barrier meeting federal NHTSA standards (extending beyond the load) or be followed by an escort vehicle displaying "OVERSIZE LOAD" in 10-inch black letters on yellow background (7 feet wide, 18 inches high). This applies directly to commercial trucking companies transporting these materials in Tennessee. The bill amends Tennessee vehicle safety laws to mandate these specific safety measures for oversized loads. It takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 17 requires Tennessee law enforcement agencies to share an individual’s immigration status with federal officials only when that person has been arrested for a criminal offense. It exempts school resource officers regarding students and people not arrested (such as victims or witnesses). The bill imposes a $1,000 civil penalty for noncompliance, enforceable by the attorney general. This bill failed in the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 17, 2025, and has not advanced further.

Maddy summarySB 1134 requires Tennessee’s Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to study how health insurers handle claim denials and reimbursements. TACIR must analyze insurer processes for approving/denying claims, notifying policyholders, appeals, and recoupment, while tracking denial rates for 2021-2025. The study will identify insurers with unusually high denial rates (10%+ above average) and exclude TennCare/CoverKids programs. TACIR must report findings to legislative committees by January 15, 2026, including any proposed policy changes. This bill directly affects health insurers (through data reporting) and state lawmakers (via the study’s recommendations).

Maddy summarySB 926 increases penalties for selling vapor products (like e-cigarettes) to people under 21, raising it from a Class C to a Class A misdemeanor. It requires all retailers selling vapor products to obtain a license from Tennessee’s Department of Commerce and Insurance by December 1, 2025, and mandates face-to-face sales only at licensed, age-restricted businesses (21+ with ID verification). Retailers must pay a $250 annual license fee per location, and the law includes civil penalties for violations. This directly affects vapor product retailers, minors, and the Department of Commerce and Insurance, which will oversee licensing and enforcement.

Maddy summarySB 214 prohibits naming public facilities (like parks or community centers) after current or recently departed local officials for two years after they leave office, unless private funds cover the costs. It also bans public officials from using public funds to make charitable donations in their own name, requiring such donations to be attributed to the government entity. The bill further prevents naming facilities for officials convicted of felonies or crimes of moral turpitude. Existing facility names remain unchanged under this law.