Sen. Ken Yager

Maddy summarySJR 840 is a commemorative resolution honoring Frederick Dale "Freddie" Harvey, a Kingston resident and public servant who passed away. It formally recognizes his life, service, and legacy through the Tennessee General Assembly, including his work at Oak Ridge facilities, ownership of Rare Earth Realty, and dedication to family and community. The resolution expresses the Assembly's condolences to his family and affirms his contributions to Kingston and the state. As a memorial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution designates Tennessee as a "Purple Heart State" to honor military veterans who have received the Purple Heart medal for combat injuries or death. It specifically recognizes Purple Heart recipients who are Tennessee residents or have connections to the state. The resolution has no legal effect or funding requirements - it serves solely as a symbolic gesture of statewide recognition for these veterans' sacrifices. It does not create new programs, change laws, or affect any policies.

Maddy summarySB 2172 extends the deadline for Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation commissioner to designate boundaries for new scenic river segments from two years to 27 months after a river segment is added to the state scenic rivers system. This change directly affects the commissioner and state conservation planning processes by providing additional time for boundary designations. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 11-13-108(a) and references Title 68, Chapter 211 to implement this timeline adjustment. The policy change focuses solely on administrative timing without altering conservation standards or funding.

Maddy summarySB 2054 amends Tennessee's property tax law to set a 400-acre maximum for tax exemptions on land owned by nonprofits operating a "premier type tourist resort," as defined in state law. This change directly affects qualifying nonprofits meeting the specific criteria under § 57-4-102(30)(LLLLLL), limiting their eligible tax-exempt land to 400 acres. The bill modifies Section 67-5-212 of the Tennessee Code Annotated to establish this cap, replacing any prior unlimited exemption for these entities. The policy change reduces the amount of land eligible for tax relief for these nonprofits, impacting their property tax obligations.

Maddy summarySJR 824 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the 100th anniversary of the Alvin C. York Agricultural Institute in Jamestown, Tennessee. It commemorates the school's founding in 1926 by World War I hero Alvin C. York as a private agricultural school, its transition to a state-operated public high school in 1937, and its unique status as Tennessee's only state-financed comprehensive secondary school. The resolution formally recognizes the institution's century-long role in providing rural education and its motto of "Prepare and Excel." As a symbolic gesture with no policy changes or funding implications, it does not directly affect any laws or individuals.

Maddy summarySB 2170 requires county workhouse wardens to submit monthly reports to the sentencing judge about prisoners in work release programs. The reports, due by the 15th of each month, must detail each prisoner's conduct and financial achievements during the previous month. This bill directly affects county workhouses, wardens, and judges who oversee criminal sentences, updating Tennessee law (TCA Titles 5, 40, and 41) to mandate this judicial reporting. The key provision shifts reporting responsibility from previous entities to the sentencing judge, enhancing direct oversight of work release participants.

Maddy summarySR 284 is a procedural Senate resolution confirming Tammy S. White's appointment to the Tennessee Ethics Commission. It directly affects the Ethics Commission by formally ratifying her four-year term, which expires January 1, 2030, as selected by Senate Republican Caucus. The resolution follows Tennessee law requiring a two-thirds Senate vote for such confirmations, which the Senate approved on February 2, 2026. This is a routine confirmation of an existing appointment, not a new policy.

Maddy summarySB 2130 designates October 1 of each year as "APDS Day" in Tennessee to raise awareness of activated PI3K delta syndrome (APDS), a rare genetic immune disorder affecting approximately 1-2 people per million. The bill directly impacts Tennesseans diagnosed with APDS, who often face delayed diagnoses (averaging seven years), frequent infections, developmental challenges, and higher cancer risks. It establishes an annual observance to increase public and medical recognition of the condition, encouraging earlier diagnosis and family testing. The law takes effect upon enactment and does not include funding or treatment mandates.

Maddy summarySB 2477 amends Tennessee's education funding formula (TISA) to include students enrolled in the state's Medicaid program as "economically disadvantaged," expanding eligibility for weighted funding. This change directly affects schools serving Medicaid-enrolled students, who will now qualify for additional state funding under TISA. The bill updates the legal definition in TCA Title 49 to add Medicaid enrollment as a criterion, alongside existing categories like foster youth or free/reduced-meal eligibility. The policy change takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year and applies to all future TISA allocations.

Maddy summarySB 2294 amends Tennessee boating law to increase the minimum safe distance from docks or boat ramps for jet boats carrying passengers for hire. The bill raises the required distance from 50 feet to 75 feet before such boats may exceed no-wake speed. This change directly affects commercial jet boat operators transporting passengers, requiring them to maintain greater separation from shore access points. The amendment modifies Tennessee Code Annotated Title 69, Section 69-9-218(a)(3), to implement this safety adjustment.