Sen. Todd Gardenhire

Maddy summarySB 244 would change Tennessee's housing law to require that affordable housing units built under the state's voluntary attainable housing program remain restricted for at least 30 years, rather than indefinitely. This applies specifically to multi-family housing developments constructed through this incentive program. The bill amends existing law by replacing the phrase "in perpetuity" with "for at least thirty (30) years" in the deed restriction requirement. This adjustment shortens the mandatory affordability period while maintaining a significant commitment to long-term accessible housing.

Maddy summarySB 814 creates a three-year grant pilot program (2025-2026 through 2027-2028) for Tennessee school districts meeting specific criteria. Eligible districts - those identified as priority schools under state accountability rules or experiencing student fatalities from gun violence on campus - can receive grants to purchase AI-powered weapons detection systems that identify knives and firearms and immediately alert law enforcement. The program requires all systems to notify authorities upon detection and mandates annual reporting to the legislature on grant distribution and system coverage. Funds must be fully allocated each year to eligible districts, with unused funds redirected toward other approved security measures if all target schools are covered. The pilot ends July 31, 2028.

Maddy summarySB 927 requires the Tennessee Wine and Grape Board to coordinate with wineries statewide to develop a formal "wine trail" program. This bill directly affects the Tennessee Wine and Grape Board and participating wineries by mandating their collaboration to create a coordinated tourism route. The key provision adds a new duty under state law (TCA Title 57) for the board to work with wineries to establish this trail. The bill focuses on tourism promotion through structured regional coordination, without altering alcohol regulations or imposing new taxes.

Maddy summarySB 800 increases the threshold for medical bills presumed necessary and reasonable in personal injury lawsuits from $4,000 to $25,000. If a plaintiff attaches itemized medical bills to their complaint, those costs up to $25,000 will automatically be considered valid without further proof. This change directly affects plaintiffs (injured parties) and defendants (like hospitals or insurers) in civil cases involving medical expenses. The bill amends Tennessee law to take effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 253 shortens the deadline for clerks of court to notify the Health Facilities Commission about certain criminal convictions. It reduces the time from 90 to 60 calendar days after a conviction for offenses against elderly or vulnerable adults involving abuse, neglect, misappropriation, or exploitation of their property. This change directly affects clerks of court, requiring them to submit notifications faster to update the registry tracking individuals who have harmed vulnerable adults. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-15-506(a)(1) and has no other substantive policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 271 prohibits professional bondsmen from owning, operating, or working for companies that supervise people released before trial with electronic monitoring conditions. This directly affects bondsmen who currently have financial or employment ties to electronic monitoring service providers. The law amends Tennessee Code § 40-11-313 to ban these dual roles, ensuring bondsmen cannot profit from both bail services and the monitoring of pre-trial clients. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 272 extends the deadline for holding a hearing in guardianship or conservatorship cases from 60 to 90 days after the petition is served on the respondent or after a guardian ad litem is appointed. This bill directly affects individuals petitioning to become a guardian or conservator and those subject to such petitions. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 34-1-108(a), to change the required timeline for these civil court proceedings. The change applies across multiple titles of Tennessee law related to civil justice.

Maddy summarySB 18 requires Tennessee public schools to create policies mandating students keep wireless devices (like phones, tablets, and laptops) turned off and stored during class time, with grade-specific rules: K-8 students must keep devices off/stowed all day, while 9-12 students must do so during instructional time. Exceptions include teacher-approved educational use, health monitoring with a provider's note, and device use permitted by a student’s IEP or 504 plan. The policy also mandates schools establish a process for contacting parents during emergencies. This applies to all public schools and charter schools starting with the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summarySB 783 (Tennessee) would have allowed county tax officials to skip billing or collecting personal property taxes under $20 for specific taxpayers, including waiving late penalties. It applied directly to local tax collectors and taxpayers with minimal tax liabilities. The bill required officials to track these cases and permitted future collection if the same taxpayer paid related taxes in a subsequent year (within legal limits). However, the bill was filed on February 4, 2025, and withdrawn the next day, so it never became law.

Maddy summaryThis law allows local city councils to pass rules that offer financial or zoning benefits to property owners who build affordable housing. The program is entirely optional, meaning no one is forced to participate, and it requires a two-step review process where applicants first meet with planners and then submit a formal application for final approval. If approved, the new housing units must be permanently restricted to ensure they remain affordable for future residents.