Sen. Ken Yager

Maddy summarySB 2169 creates five new social worker positions within Tennessee's public defender offices, effective July 1, 2026. These positions will directly support public defender systems statewide by adding social work resources to assist clients, particularly those with mental health or social service needs. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Chapter 14, and Title 9, Chapter 4, to formalize these staffing changes without altering legal procedures or case outcomes. It focuses solely on expanding support staff capacity within existing public defense services.

Maddy summarySB 748 changes how Tennessee's TennCare program reimburses ambulance services. It requires TennCare to pay public or private ambulance providers in Tennessee at least 67.5% of Medicare's rate for emergency transports and 100% of Medicare's rate for non-emergency transports. This applies specifically to ambulance services with a base of operations in Tennessee that bill for covered services provided to TennCare recipients. The bill amends Tennessee law to establish these specific reimbursement rates relative to Medicare's allowable charges.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally commends Nicole Herschberger for her outstanding service as a Press Clerk for Senator Ken Yager and the Senate Republican Caucus. The document highlights her professional background, including her work in political campaigns and media production, as well as her academic achievements in accounting. It recognizes her specific contributions during the 2026 legislative session, noting her dedication and communication skills in supporting the caucus. Ultimately, the resolution serves as an official acknowledgment of her exemplary performance and extends well wishes for her future endeavors.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes Brant Edward Hall II for his work as a legislative intern assisting Senator Ken Yager. The document highlights his professional contributions, military background, and academic achievements while commending his service to the General Assembly. It does not create new laws or alter policies but serves as an official expression of appreciation for his performance during the 2026 legislative session.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution honoring the memory of Jane Bell, a resident of Rockwood, Tennessee, who passed away. It recognizes her contributions as a public servant, artist, ordained minister, and dedicated family member. The resolution formally acknowledges her life achievements and expresses condolences to her surviving family members, including her children and grandchildren. No new laws or policies are created; the document serves solely as a commemorative tribute to her legacy.

Maddy summarySB 2171, the "Artificial Intelligence Public Safety and Child Protection Transparency Act," requires developers of powerful AI systems ("frontier developers") to implement safety protocols for specific AI chatbots. It directly affects companies creating AI models trained with over 10^26 computing operations that power chatbots with at least 1 million monthly users and likely accessed by minors. Key provisions mandate documented "child safety plans" to prevent harm (like generating dangerous content or causing severe emotional distress in minors) and require risk assessments for "catastrophic risks" (e.g., AI enabling weapons or cyberattacks without human oversight). The bill defines terms like "child safety incident" and sets thresholds for applicability, focusing on transparency and risk mitigation for high-impact AI systems.

Maddy summarySB 2179 requires that funds from Tennessee's opioid abatement fund, distributed to nonprofit organizations for opioid-related programs, be split equally between advance payments (covering recurring costs like staff wages) and reimbursement grants. This applies to all statewide, regional, or local opioid abatement efforts funded through this specific account. The bill mandates that advance payments must constitute approximately 50% of total grant funds disbursed. It amends Tennessee Code Sections 33-11-105 and 9-4-13 to implement this disbursement structure. The law affects nonprofit organizations receiving these funds but does not create new funding or alter the fund's purpose.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution that honors Samuel Milton Leslie, the Minister of Music at South Harriman Baptist Church, on the occasion of his retirement after thirty years of service. The resolution formally recognizes his contributions to his congregation and community through music ministry, youth programs, and various church leadership roles. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of his career achievements. The measure was passed by the Tennessee legislature and signed into law as a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summarySB 2174 amends Tennessee law to exclude specific indoor, above-ground swimming pools at fitness facilities from the definition of a "public swimming pool" requiring standard health regulations. It applies only to pools that are privately owned, installed indoors at fitness facilities, have controlled access (allowing only staff and students for instruction), meet water quality standards, and are used solely for swimming lessons - never for rentals, parties, or public use. This exempts these pools from regulations typically applied to hotels, public pools, or similar facilities. The change directly affects fitness facilities operating such pools, removing a layer of oversight for their instructional programs. The bill does not alter rules for other types of pools or public swimming areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution that honors the memory of Charles Goodson, a resident of Lancing, Tennessee. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a formal expression of respect from the state legislature. The resolution acknowledges Goodson's life as a public servant, business owner, and family man, and extends condolences to his family. No new regulations or funding are established; the measure is purely commemorative in nature.