Sen. Ken Yager

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution that formally honors the memory of Isaiah Nathaniel Peddicord, a young man from Harriman who passed away. It acknowledges his diverse work experiences in construction, food service, retail, and farming, as well as his dedication to his family and Christian faith. The resolution expresses the legislature's sympathy to his surviving relatives and friends while officially recognizing his life and character. Once signed by the Governor, it serves as a commemorative record without changing any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution honoring the memory of Marshall McKamey, a retired public servant and long-time resident of LaFollette. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions to his community, including his thirty-year service on the Campbell County Election Commission and his career at Cain Ford. It expresses the legislature's sympathy to his family and resolves to present a copy of the document to his loved ones. This measure does not change any laws or policies but serves as a commemorative tribute to his life and legacy.

Maddy summarySB 2167 integrates Tennessee's TennCare program into the statewide planning and policy council by adding the director of long-term care services and a managed care organization representative to the council's membership. The bill expands the council's advisory and reporting duties to specifically include TennCare's director, services, and waiver implementation, alongside existing department programs. It amends Tennessee Code to update references from "the department" to include "the bureau of TennCare" in council functions and reporting requirements. This structural change affects the council, TennCare operations, and managed care organizations that contract with TennCare. The bill does not alter TennCare's policies or funding but changes how the program is coordinated within the state's planning structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Tennessee counties from electing county legislative body members in at-large districts (where a commissioner represents the entire county) after the 2030 federal census. It requires counties to redraw district boundaries so each commissioner represents a specific geographic area. Counties currently using at-large districts must amend their charters to comply by the 2030 redistricting cycle. The law directly affects all Tennessee counties with existing at-large election systems for county legislative bodies.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 1188 formally honors Rhett Pratt, a former legislative employee of the Tennessee General Assembly, for his more than a decade of service. The resolution acknowledges his various roles, including legislative assistant, research analyst, and budget analyst, as well as his recent work with the Tennessee Municipal League. It commends his professional accomplishments and personal character, noting his receipt of the 2020 Senate Employee of the Year award. The document is a ceremonial tribute intended to be presented to Pratt as a gesture of appreciation from the state legislature.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution honors Trent Heath for his dedicated service as a legislative employee to Senator Ken Yager and the Tennessee General Assembly. The document recognizes his professional contributions in various roles, including his work as an intern, bill clerk, and assistant research analyst where he researched bills and created talking points. It formally commends his integrity and professionalism while wishing him success in his future endeavors as a government relations coordinator. This measure is a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a policy change, as it does not alter laws or government operations.

Maddy summarySB 2176 repeals a 2007 local law that designated Roane County's top official as "County Executive" instead of the standard "County Mayor" used in most Tennessee counties. The bill aligns Roane County's title with Tennessee's general law (TCA § 5-6-101), reducing confusion during inter-county projects. It requires Roane County's legislative body to approve the change by a two-thirds vote before taking effect. This directly affects Roane County's leadership title and administrative processes, but does not alter the official's duties or powers.

Maddy summarySB 2175 requires Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation to prioritize water system projects in counties with fewer than 57,000 residents (based on the 2020 or later census) for consideration for loans from the water system revolving loan fund. It defines "rural county" as having a population below 57,000 and amends state law to automatically include such projects on the priority list. This change directly affects water infrastructure projects in smaller counties by ensuring they receive automatic consideration for funding. The bill modifies existing law to streamline access to loan programs for rural water systems without altering the fund's structure or funding levels.

Maddy summarySB 2168 requires Tennessee public school districts and charter schools to recognize November 7 annually as "Victims of Communism Day." It mandates that high school students in world history or geography courses receive at least 45 minutes of classroom instruction about victims of communist regimes, including specific historical examples like Stalin's Soviet Union, Mao's Cultural Revolution, and Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge. The law applies to all relevant courses starting in the 2026-2027 school year. It does not alter curriculum content beyond this required instruction period.

Maddy summarySB 2053 requires county or city legislative bodies to publicly approve the location of new quarries or digital asset mining facilities (like large-scale cryptocurrency operations using over 1 megawatt of energy) before construction begins. It mandates a 21-day public notice period, including newspaper publication, website posting, and mailings to residents within 500 yards of the proposed site. The bill directly affects local governments (counties/cities), developers seeking to build such facilities, and nearby residents who receive advance notice. It applies to all new projects approved on or after July 1, 2026, and does not change existing facility operations.