Sen. Ken Yager

Maddy summarySB 749 changes how Tennessee sets the maximum interest rate for home loans. It replaces the current method (using federal mortgage auction yields and 30-year treasury rates) with the "average prime offer rate" published by federal regulators. The new rule caps the maximum rate at four percentage points above this benchmark, while maintaining an absolute 18% annual limit. This affects all home loan lenders operating in Tennessee, effective July 1, 2025. The bill directly alters the legal calculation for loan interest rates without changing the 18% ceiling.

Maddy summarySJR 354 is a ceremonial resolution formally commending Reagan Hill for his service as a legislative intern for Senator Ken Yager during the 2025 Tennessee General Assembly session. It recognizes his academic work as a Political Science student at Tennessee Tech, his contributions to legislative staff, and his involvement in campus organizations. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect and serves solely as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for Hill's role.

Maddy summarySB 752 amends Tennessee's Business Tax Act to change the due date for business tax returns from "two calendar months" after the tax period to a fixed "sixty (60) calendar days." This change directly affects businesses required to file state business tax returns, giving them a standardized 60-day window instead of a variable two-month period. The bill modifies TCA Title 67, Chapter 4, Part 7, specifically Section 67-4-715(g), to implement this fixed timeline. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2025, and is purely procedural with no new tax obligations or revenue impacts.

Maddy summarySJR 355 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Anna Collins for her service as a bill clerk in the Senate Republican Caucus Press Secretary's office during the 2025 legislative session. It recognizes her professional contributions, attention to detail, and dedication to the legislative process, while highlighting her academic achievements including a summa cum laude Agribusiness degree from MTSU and ongoing PhD studies. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, expressing appreciation for her work without creating new laws or affecting any regulations. It was unanimously passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor on April 16, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 754 creates the "Courthouse Square Revitalization Act" to redirect sales tax revenue from designated areas around county courthouses in small Tennessee towns (population ≤30,000 per 2020 census) to local revitalization efforts. Municipalities must apply for approval to establish a "revitalization zone" around their courthouse, and if approved, they receive tax revenue from that zone to fund improvements like infrastructure, marketing, or public-private partnerships. The state limits approval to six total projects (max two per grand division), requiring department review of applications including maps and use descriptions. This policy directly affects eligible small county-seat municipalities by providing dedicated funding for courthouse square development.

Maddy summarySB 759 requires anyone operating a vessel exempt from Tennessee's numbering system (because it displays a valid number from another state's federally approved system) to purchase an annual $72 permit for use on Tennessee's intrastate waters. The permit must be obtained before operating such a vessel, and all revenue from the fee will fund the state's boating safety programs through the boating safety fund. This applies to all exempt vessels operating on Tennessee's lakes, rivers, and other intrastate waterways. The bill is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 744 requires Tennessee's health commissioner to add alpha-gal syndrome - a condition causing allergic reactions to red meat - to the state's list of reportable diseases by July 1, 2025. Healthcare providers would then be required to report diagnosed cases to the health department, as mandated by existing rules. This change directly affects medical professionals who treat patients with alpha-gal syndrome and the state health department responsible for tracking disease trends. The bill makes no changes to treatment protocols or patient costs, solely updating reporting requirements for public health monitoring.

Maddy summarySJR 309 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams upon their return from a nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The resolution recognizes their extended stay due to technical issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which delayed their return until March 18, 2025, via SpaceX Crew-9. It commends their dedication to space exploration and safe return without advocating for policy changes, as resolutions of this nature are symbolic gestures with no binding legal effect. The bill does not affect any specific group or create new regulations - it solely expresses official appreciation for the astronauts' service.

Maddy summarySB 742 requires Tennessee's Commissioner of Health to develop programs improving dental access in rural and underserved communities. These programs could include partnerships with dental schools, clinic upgrades, provider incentives, senior dental services, and telehealth support. All proposed programs must first receive approval from the Commissioner of Finance and Administration. The bill explicitly states it does not allocate funds, meaning no spending can occur without a separate legislative appropriation.

Maddy summarySB 761 shortens the waiting period for people convicted of Class D felonies to clear their criminal records through expungement in Tennessee. Currently, individuals must wait 10 years after finishing their sentence to petition for expungement; this bill reduces that period to 8 years. The change applies specifically to Class D felony convictions under Tennessee law, modifying the timeline in state code (TCA § 40-32-101). The bill amends the existing waiting period requirement without altering eligibility criteria or other offense classifications.