Sen. Bo Watson

Maddy summarySB 1376 prevents out-of-network ambulance providers from balance billing patients for emergency ambulance services covered under their health insurance plan. It caps patient payments at the lesser of their plan's in-network cost-sharing amount, the ambulance provider's full bill, or 325% of the federal Medicare rate for similar services in the area. Health insurers must count any payment made by the patient toward their deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. The law applies to health benefit plans issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2068 requires Tennessee school districts (LEAs) to annually report by July 31 how many 7th and 8th graders received information about career and technical education (CTE) opportunities after taking a career aptitude assessment. The report must detail students who were provided this information following their grade 7 or 8 assessment during the prior school year. This affects all local school districts in Tennessee by adding a new data collection requirement focused on early career exposure for middle school students. The bill does not change CTE program offerings but mandates tracking student access to these resources.

Maddy summarySB 836 allows Tennessee public schools and charter schools to choose whether to enroll students who are in the U.S. without legal immigration status. The bill directly affects undocumented students seeking enrollment in public education. It amends state law to explicitly authorize schools to refuse enrollment based on immigration status, removing any existing requirement to enroll such students. This is a policy change that gives schools discretion regarding enrollment eligibility.

Maddy summarySB 2218 requires Tennessee municipalities forming infrastructure development districts to include a detailed breakdown of infrastructure costs for each utility service (such as water, sewer, or electricity) in the governing body's establishment resolution. This amendment to Tennessee law mandates that districts must itemize costs per utility, promoting transparency about how public funds will be allocated for infrastructure projects. The bill affects any municipality creating such districts, which are typically used to finance infrastructure in new developments. The requirement applies to all future establishment resolutions under the amended sections of Tennessee Code (Titles 5, 6, 7, 13, 65, and 66).

Maddy summarySJR 812 is a commemorative resolution recognizing May 17 as Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Awareness Day in Tennessee. It highlights NEC as a severe intestinal condition affecting premature and medically fragile infants, noting it causes significant infant mortality, long-term health complications, and high healthcare costs (estimated $200,000+ per case). The resolution emphasizes the importance of breast milk in prevention and acknowledges disparities impacting Black infants disproportionately. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new policies or funding but aims to raise public awareness about this critical neonatal health issue.

Maddy summarySB 1979 requires all Tennessee public schools and charter schools to administer the Presidential Fitness Test annually to assess students' strength, endurance, and flexibility. The bill mandates that schools provide accommodations for students with IEPs or 504 plans, prohibits using test results for grading, and requires the state education department to report participation and award data by grade level and disability status. Schools must notify students and families 30 days before testing begins, following guidelines from the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. This law directly affects every K-12 student in Tennessee public schools and their educational institutions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJR 813) formally recognizes Chattanooga restaurant owners Erik and Amanda Niel for having three of their establishments - Little Coyote, Easy Bistro, and Main Street Meats - named to the inaugural MICHELIN Guide American South. It specifically highlights Little Coyote’s Bib Gourmand distinction (for value-focused dining) and the Recommended status for Easy Bistro and Main Street Meats. The resolution expresses the Tennessee legislature’s appreciation for their contribution to Chattanooga’s culinary scene and local economic vitality. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summarySJR 815 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the Andrew Jackson Foundation's 125th anniversary. It formally honors the Foundation for its 137 years of preserving The Hermitage (a 1,120-acre National Historic Landmark) and promoting public education about Andrew Jackson's legacy. The resolution commends the Foundation's work in historical stewardship and civic engagement, specifically referencing its annual Spring Outing event. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funds.

Maddy summarySJR 814 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Howard J. Kittell upon his retirement from his role as president and CEO of the Andrew Jackson Foundation. It recognizes his 16 years of service, including preservation work at The Hermitage and other foundation projects, and his receipt of the 2025 Lewis R. Donelson Award. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's appreciation for his career and extends well-wishes for his retirement. As a non-binding memorial, it has no policy impact and directly affects only Howard J. Kittell.

Maddy summarySB 2350 allows Tennessee rail service authorities to submit their annual reports electronically instead of in physical form. This change directly affects rail service authorities across the state by simplifying their reporting process under Tennessee law. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee Code (Titles 5, 6, 7, 45, 49, 54, and 67) to permit electronic submissions. The key provision removes the requirement for paper-based annual reports, making the process more efficient for these local government entities. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.