Sen. Bo Watson

Maddy summarySB 1389 prohibits healthcare providers participating in Tennessee's TennCare or CoverKids programs from refusing to treat patients solely because they decline vaccines or immunizations. It requires the state to stop reimbursing providers who violate this rule and mandates the TennCare director to create implementing regulations. The law excludes oncology and organ transplant specialists from the prohibition. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, with rules to be established under state administrative procedures.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 17 as Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day in Tennessee to highlight a serious intestinal condition that affects premature and medically fragile infants. The document outlines the severe health risks and high costs associated with NEC while emphasizing the protective benefits of breast milk and the importance of family involvement in infant care. By officially recognizing this date, the state aims to increase public awareness and support for ongoing research and advocacy efforts to prevent and treat the disease.

Maddy summarySB 2330 requires Tennessee state agencies to provide the General Assembly's fiscal review committee staff with direct electronic access to their data systems and records, including financial, program, and performance information. It applies to all executive branch agencies (like the departments of education, treasury, and wildlife resources) and mandates timely access within 15 business days, with exceptions for legally protected information. The bill includes strict confidentiality safeguards, requiring committee staff to maintain data security, use information only for official duties, and share only de-identified or aggregated data in public reports. This ensures lawmakers have real-time access to government data for budget oversight while respecting legal restrictions on sensitive information.

Maddy summarySB 2198 requires Tennessee's Department of Human Services to provide applicants for temporary assistance with a written notice of their eligibility determination, replacing the current "notice" requirement with a specific written format. This clarifies existing rules under Tennessee Code Annotated Section 71-3-107(f), directly affecting individuals applying for welfare benefits. The bill does not change eligibility criteria or funding but ensures applicants receive documented confirmation of their status. It is a procedural clarification with no new policy provisions.

Maddy summarySB 2082 allocates state funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal years to cover general government operations and specifically earmarks transportation funds for naming highways or bridges in honor of service members killed in action. The bill directs the Department of Transportation to set aside sufficient funds to cover costs for any legislation naming a highway or bridge as a memorial, as defined in Tennessee law (TCA §54-1-133). It directly affects state budgeting for transportation projects and legislative honors, ensuring funding is reserved for these memorial designations. The key provision (Section 1) guarantees dedicated state funds for these honors without requiring additional legislative appropriations.

Maddy summarySB 2067 modifies an existing Tennessee law requiring the Department of Commerce and Insurance to report on health insurance coverage for mental health, alcoholism, and drug dependency. It changes the reporting deadline from "each year thereafter" to a specific annual deadline of January 31. This technical amendment directly affects the Department of Commerce and Insurance by updating their schedule for submitting these annual reports. The bill does not alter coverage requirements or benefits for patients; it only adjusts the timing for the department's reporting obligation.

Maddy summarySB 2080 directs the first $150 million in tax revenue from Tennessee's health maintenance organization tax (starting July 1, 2026) to draw down federal funds for specific healthcare providers. It requires reimbursement for physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants who treat TennCare patients for evaluation, obstetrics/gynecology, or anesthesia services using designated medical billing codes. Reimbursement must cover up to 110% of the current Medicare rate for those services. The bill applies to TennCare reimbursements for services provided on or after July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1798 increases property tax relief for disabled veteran homeowners in Tennessee by raising the reimbursement threshold from $175,000 to $200,000 of a home's full market value. This change directly affects eligible disabled veterans who qualify for property tax relief under Tennessee law. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 67-5-704(a) to adjust the covered value amount for reimbursement calculations. The updated reimbursement rate takes effect for tax years beginning July 1, 2026. The change expands the property value covered for tax relief without altering eligibility requirements.

Maddy summarySJR 160 is a non-binding resolution encouraging Tennessee teachers to use the names "Gulf of America" and "Mount McKinley" in geography lessons. It references a 2025 federal executive order by President Trump that renamed the Gulf of Alaska to "Gulf of America" and restored "Mount McKinley" (previously Denali). The resolution specifically urges geography teachers in Tennessee schools to adopt these names during instruction. It does not change any official place names or require curriculum changes, but formally supports the federal renaming effort in classroom settings. The resolution passed the Tennessee Senate in February 2025 and was referred to a committee for further review.

Maddy summarySB 1392 authorizes Tennessee's funding board to issue up to $30 million in state bonds for capital projects. The funds would cover construction, equipment, highway improvements, bridge repairs, and infrastructure at state agencies and institutions of higher education. Specifically, proceeds must be allocated to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission for capital improvements at colleges and universities. The bill also permits up to 2.5% of the bond amount to cover issuance costs, with all bonds being direct state obligations.