Sen. Bo Watson

Maddy summarySB 281 exempts small-scale farming activities on properties under three acres with greenbelt classification from regulation by Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation. Specifically, it prohibits oversight of topsoil handling, rock removal, or pond construction on such properties. This exemption applies only to land classified as agricultural under Tennessee's 1976 greenbelt program (TCA Title 67). The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and amends multiple environmental and agricultural code sections to implement this change.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 154) commends Ivy Academy in Soddy Daisy for winning the 2024 Charter Champion Award for its Community Impact Project of the Year, the Emergency Solar Power Backpacks Project. The resolution honors students and STEM teacher Jerry Webb for designing and distributing solar-powered backpacks - featuring foldable panels and batteries - to aid in disasters and humanitarian crises, including shipments to Ukraine and hurricane-impacted communities in North Carolina. As a symbolic recognition, the resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds.

Maddy summarySJR 200 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing Partners for Christian Media, Inc. for its 30th anniversary. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, funding, or regulations. The resolution simply expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's "gratitude" for the organization's work operating Christian radio stations (WBDX 102.7 FM and WJLJ 103.1 FM), the J103 music festival, and other media ministries. As a symbolic gesture, it has no concrete policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or entities beyond the recognition itself.

Maddy summarySB 1364 requires all Tennessee law enforcement agencies to enter into mandatory agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for two federal immigration programs: the 287(g) program (allowing local officers to enforce federal immigration laws) and the warrant service officer program. This replaces previous language that permitted agencies to choose whether to participate. The bill directly affects every local police department and sheriff's office in Tennessee by making federal immigration enforcement collaboration a legal obligation. The key change is shifting from voluntary participation to a mandatory requirement under Tennessee law.

Maddy summarySB 1371 authorizes Tennessee local governments (counties, cities, towns) to regulate sober living homes - residences for adults recovering from substance abuse without formal treatment - to ensure compliance with federal fair housing and disability laws. Key provisions include requiring these homes to be located at least 1,000 feet from schools/preschools/daycares, allowing local rules for their operation, and mandating that prospective residents receive a clinical referral from a licensed healthcare provider confirming medical necessity for placement. The bill directly affects sober living home operators, residents, and local governments by establishing standardized regulatory boundaries and referral processes. It does not alter treatment services but ensures regulations align with federal protections under the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act.

Maddy summarySB 1370 amends Tennessee law to add a cybersecurity-focused state employee to the Information Systems Council, appointed by the governor. This new member serves as a nonvoting council member, increasing the council's total membership. The bill specifies that members appointed under this provision (including the new cybersecurity role) are eligible for reappointment. These changes update Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 3, specifically sections 4-3-5501(b)(1), (b)(3), and (c)(3).

Maddy summarySB 1386 expands who can petition to remove agricultural land from a Tennessee city (deannex). It allows current owners or certain descendants (children, grandchildren, siblings) of the original owner, or businesses majority-owned by qualifying individuals, to request deannexation. This applies only to land annexed without a referendum or owner request, and requires the deannexation not create surrounded unincorporated areas (except with conservation easements). The bill directly affects rural property owners seeking to leave municipalities they were annexed into without their consent.

Maddy summarySB 1375 shortens the deadline for water and wastewater treatment authorities in Tennessee. It reduces the time the executive director has to prepare and submit the annual operating budget from 60 days to 45 days before the fiscal year begins. This bill directly affects the executive directors of water and wastewater treatment authorities under Tennessee law. The change applies to specific sections of Tennessee Code (Titles 5, 6, 7, 65, 68, and 69) related to wastewater management. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on adjusting this administrative timeline.

Maddy summarySJR 6004 is a resolution honoring the Bachman-McCoy Farm for its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. It recognizes the family's historical contributions, including Nathan Bachman's service in Tennessee and federal politics, Pearl Bachman's conservation advocacy, and Martha McCoy's work in highway beautification and community stewardship. The resolution specifically commemorates the family's donation of the 38-acre property to the Town of Walden, which now serves as a public arboretum, historic site, and community space with gardens, trails, and educational opportunities. This resolution has no legal effect but symbolically celebrates the farm's cultural significance and the family's lasting impact on local history and environmental preservation.

Maddy summarySJR 32 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the Bachman-McCoy Farm for its recent inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. It recognizes the farm's historical significance, the family's contributions to Tennessee politics and conservation (including Nathan Bachman's role in creating the Tennessee Valley Authority and Social Security Act), and their donation of the property to the Walden community for public use as an arboretum. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds - it simply expresses the state's appreciation for the farm's preservation and the family's legacy. This recognition directly affects the Walden community, which now manages the 38-acre property as a public space for education and recreation.