Sen. Bo Watson

Maddy summarySB 1395 changes how state-funded nursing home care grants are paid. It requires payments to be made either monthly or quarterly directly to the nursing home resident or their legally authorized representative, not to the nursing home facility itself. This applies to all recipients of these specific grants under Tennessee law, ensuring funds go directly to individuals who need care. The bill amends multiple sections of the Tennessee Code to implement this payment method change, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets aside state funds from the Department of Transportation to cover costs when the legislature names highways or bridges in honor of service members killed in action. It directly affects the state's transportation department and the legislative process for honoring military personnel through future bills. The funding is specifically allocated for any 2025 legislative bill or resolution designating such memorials, ensuring these honors can be implemented without additional budget costs. The bill also acknowledges potential revenue losses from similar legislative actions.

Maddy summarySB 1391 requires the Tennessee Department of Health to create a grant program reimbursing school districts, public charter schools, private schools, and emergency medical responders for purchasing anti-choking devices (like choking prevention tools) starting July 1, 2025. The program covers one device per school cafeteria or emergency vehicle, with a total funding cap of $500,000. It mandates annual reports to the legislature on grant usage and expires on July 1, 2028. The bill does not allocate funds itself - actual spending depends on future legislative appropriations.

Maddy summarySB 1387 would expand eligibility for Tennessee's Senator Ben Atchley Opportunity Grant to include Western Governors University (WGU) as a qualifying institution. This change directly affects Tennessee resident students enrolled at WGU who wish to use the grant for tuition. The bill adds WGU to the list of eligible institutions that must meet specific criteria, including maintaining a physical campus in Tennessee, using competency-based education, and having a Tennessee-based governing body. These requirements ensure WGU aligns with existing grant program standards for nonprofit, regionally accredited institutions. The bill does not alter the grant's funding structure or create new financial obligations.

Maddy summarySB 1394 amends Tennessee's budget documentation requirements by removing outdated references to calendar year 1977 and fiscal year 1977-1978. It updates the law to require budget documents to include only the current fiscal year and the latest completed calendar year, eliminating obsolete historical data. This procedural change affects how state budget documents are prepared and submitted, streamlining the documentation process. The bill does not alter budget amounts or policy, only updating the required historical references in budget filings.

Maddy summarySB 1367 exempts the retail sale of food and food ingredients from Tennessee's state sales tax, meaning consumers will no longer pay sales tax on most grocery purchases. The bill adjusts tax revenue distribution to ensure counties and municipalities receive equivalent funding that would have been generated from the food tax, while removing a prior requirement to allocate half of the food tax revenue for K-12 education. Key provisions include revising tax code sections to eliminate the food tax and update business licensing requirements tied to food sales. The exemption and related changes will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally recognizes and honors Laura Jane Travis for her service to Rhea County, Tennessee. It does not create new laws or change existing policies; instead, it serves as an official commendation of her community leadership and volunteer work. The resolution highlights her specific contributions, including coordinating fundraising events, leading courthouse renovation projects, and supporting local educational and social programs. The bill is non-binding and has no legal effect beyond acknowledging her achievements through a ceremonial presentation of the resolution.

Maddy summarySB 2064 requires Tennessee counties, cities, towns, and special taxing districts to hold a voter referendum before increasing property tax rates that would exceed inflation plus 2% in a single year or inflation plus 6% over three years. Local governments must first secure a two-thirds vote from their governing body to trigger the referendum, which must be held during a regular November election. This rule does not apply to taxes for bond payments, comptroller actions, or utility rate changes. The bill amends Tennessee tax laws and takes effect for tax years beginning July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Tennessee health insurers from downcoding claims - adjusting them to lower-cost procedure codes that prevent healthcare providers from receiving payment for actual services rendered. It creates the Tennessee Commission of Insurance Review to handle complaints and enforce these rules, with seven members including health professionals and insurance industry experts. The law applies to all health benefit plans (excluding accident, disability, or limited coverage), requiring insurers to pay providers based on the actual services performed. These changes aim to ensure fair reimbursement for medical services while establishing oversight for insurance practices.

Maddy summarySB 2071 prohibits businesses from requiring customers to use programmable money (digital currency with built-in transaction rules) for payments and bans digital payment providers from denying transactions based on protected characteristics like race, religion, political views, or medical history. If a transaction is denied, providers must explain the reason within 90 days upon request. Violations are treated as breaches of Tennessee’s Consumer Protection Act, enabling legal action and remedies. This law directly affects digital payment services and consumers using programmable money in Tennessee.