Sen. Bo Watson

Maddy summarySB 2317 deletes outdated language in Tennessee's education code about the format of standardized tests (TCAP) administered during the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, specifically removing Section 49-6-6013, which contained obsolete requirements for assessment formats. This is a technical correction to update the state's education code, not a new policy. It directly affects how the state's assessment program is documented in law but does not change testing procedures or requirements. The bill is procedural and focuses solely on removing redundant language from the code.

Maddy summarySB 2166 would require licensed money transmitters in Tennessee (like Western Union or similar services) to pay sales tax on money sent from Tennessee to locations outside the U.S. or its territories. The tax revenue would be split equally: 25% to the state general fund, 25% to counties for infrastructure projects based on population, 25% to a new fund for K-12 teacher salary increases, and 25% to a law enforcement training supplement fund. The tax would apply to transactions starting January 1, 2027, if the bill becomes law. This directly affects businesses that handle cross-border money transfers within Tennessee.

Maddy summarySB 2061 requires Tennessee's Department of Finance and Administration to study how state funds from lawsuits and fines - including civil penalties recovered under the Protecting Children from Social Media Act - are used to support children's online safety and mental health programs. The study must be completed by January 2027 and reported to the legislature, detailing how these funds are allocated. It does not change existing laws or funding but directs state agencies to document current funding sources. This procedural bill affects state departments coordinating with the Attorney General's office.

Maddy summarySB 2413 protects patient privacy by clarifying that healthcare providers or organizations can share information about quality improvement committee (QIC) activities with patients or their families without losing legal confidentiality protections. It allows voluntary, open discussions after adverse healthcare incidents (like patient injuries or deaths) to focus on solutions and settlements, without admitting liability. These communications remain confidential, cannot be used in court, and must include warnings about legal rights. The bill ensures such disclosures are separate from QIC proceedings and shields providers from liability when discussions occur in good faith.

Maddy summarySB 2160 allows counties with metropolitan government (like large cities) to choose whether to lower the sales tax on grocery items or exempt them entirely from local sales tax. Counties must pass a resolution and submit it to the state Department of Revenue; the reduced rate or exemption takes effect on October 1, 2026, and applies only to tax periods starting after that date. The bill also removes outdated rules about reducing metropolitan council sizes. This directly affects grocery shoppers and retailers in participating counties by potentially lowering their sales tax burden.

Maddy summarySB 2157 prohibits local governments in Tennessee from blocking access to or within designated tourism development zones, except during emergencies for first responder access or for contracted large events. It directly affects cities, counties, and tourism zones by requiring unimpeded vehicle and pedestrian access, preventing disruptions to business deliveries (including food and goods), and allowing ride-sharing services to operate normally. The law amends Tennessee statutes to ensure tourism businesses can function without local government interference, with exceptions only for verified emergencies or events under formal agreements. This bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Maddy summarySB 2316 vacates and reconstitutes the board of directors for the Tennessee Technology Development Corporation (TTDC), replacing its current governance structure. The bill establishes a new 12-member board: seven private-sector members (appointed by the governor, House speaker, and Senate speaker) and four public-sector members (appointed by the same officials, with specific municipal/county consultation for two). It sets initial terms of 3-4 years for members, requires annual conflict-of-interest disclosures, limits board meetings to eight per year, and mandates an executive committee for daily operations. This is a procedural change to TTDC's governance, not a policy or funding measure, affecting how the corporation is managed.

Maddy summarySB 2351 modifies Tennessee's public charter school regulations. It exempts schools with under $50,000 in combined internal school and student activity funds from separate audits (Section 2), prevents per-pupil funding reductions for charter schools if a local education agency misses an October 1 financial report deadline (Section 3), and updates enrollment lottery preferences to prioritize pre-K students, economically disadvantaged students, siblings, and local residents (Section 5). The bill also allows charter schools to contract with local districts for special education services without developing new programs (Section 4). These changes directly affect public charter schools and local education agencies in Tennessee.

Maddy summarySB 2062, the "Promising Futures Act," creates a dedicated fund using revenues from taxes on vapor and hemp-derived cannabinoid products to support child care assistance programs. The fund finances three specific initiatives: a scholarship program providing free child care for children of licensed child care workers (with $5 million allocated over three years), an employer-supported program called CareShare Tennessee (also $5 million over three years), and a supplemental program if funds remain. These programs aim to strengthen the child care workforce, expand access for working families ineligible for current subsidies, and support employer partnerships. The bill explicitly prohibits using fund money for tax collection or enforcement, ensuring dedicated use for child care assistance.

Maddy summarySB 2072 requires Tennessee school districts and public charter schools to submit annual spending reports by August 1 each year to the state education office and the comptroller's office. These reports must detail spending in seven key areas, including teacher salaries, student support services (like counseling), facility costs, and administrative expenses. The state will then post all submitted reports publicly on the official school report card website, including total state funding amounts for each school. This makes detailed school spending data accessible to parents and the public without changing how funds are allocated.