Sen. Ken Yager

Maddy summarySB 1125 requires online payment systems (like Venmo or Zelle) to provide written notice to users before freezing their funds, directly affecting individuals and businesses using these platforms. It mandates that notice be sent to all involved parties in a transaction (both sender and recipient) unless fraud or financial exploitation is suspected, in which case notice must be given within 30 days. Violations would be treated as unfair or deceptive acts under Tennessee’s Consumer Protection Act (TCA § 47-18-104). The bill excludes traditional banks, credit unions, and savings associations from these requirements and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 46 amends Celina's city charter to increase the number of aldermen (city council members) from three to five. The bill changes the election date for the first expanded council to June 2025, adjusts the voting requirement from two members to a majority vote for passing ordinances, and requires local approval by Celina's legislative body with a two-thirds vote. This directly affects Celina's governance structure by expanding its city council size and altering voting procedures. The bill becomes effective only after local approval and upon becoming law, as specified in Section 4.

Maddy summarySB 746 would allow third-grade students in Tennessee who score "approaching" in English language arts on the state test but earn A/B grades in their third-grade ELA class to be promoted to fourth grade. This applies if a conference with the student’s parent/guardian, ELA teacher, and school principal recommends promotion by majority vote, provided the parent opted out of a summer learning program. The bill requires schools to provide full-year tutoring in fourth grade for any student promoted through this process. It directly affects eligible third graders, their families, and local school districts implementing the policy. The bill amends Tennessee’s education code to create this promotion pathway as an alternative to retention.

Maddy summarySB 743 amends Tennessee's Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Act to require the certification board to directly administer exams and determine competency, prohibiting delegation to third parties. The bill mandates that exams must test job-specific skills, use identical questions for all applicants, include at least 10% state regulatory questions, and require a 70% passing score on both the full exam and state questions. It also bans the board from collecting or using applicant demographic data (age, race, sex, etc.) and restricts exam preparation to board staff under direct supervision. This directly affects water/wastewater operators seeking certification and the state board managing the certification process.

Maddy summarySB 745 creates a Class A misdemeanor for individuals in the U.S. without legal authorization who operate a motor vehicle without both a valid driver's license and proof of financial responsibility (like insurance). It directly affects undocumented immigrants who drive without meeting these specific documentation requirements. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 39 and 55 to establish this offense, limiting the maximum fine to $1,000. The law would take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 181 is a memorial resolution honoring R.W. Groom III, a retired English teacher and community leader from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, who passed away. The resolution recognizes his 40-year teaching career across multiple schools, his volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity and church initiatives, and his dedication to family values. It extends condolences to his wife, children, and extended family while commemorating his life through formal legislative tribute. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact and serves solely as a symbolic tribute.

Maddy summarySJR 184 is a Tennessee legislative resolution honoring John Charles McNeeley, a funeral director and Andersonville resident who passed away. The resolution commemorates his life, including his education (Campbell County High School, East Tennessee State University), career at UPS and Avex Flight Support, family involvement, and community service as a funeral director. It extends condolences to his surviving family members and serves as a ceremonial tribute without creating any legal changes or policy effects. As a memorial resolution, it has no binding force and is solely intended to recognize his contributions.

Maddy summarySB 757 requires Tennessee school districts (Local Education Agencies or LEAs) to post their school lunch menus on the district's official website. This bill amends Tennessee law to mandate that all LEAs publish weekly or monthly lunch menus online, making meal options accessible to parents and students. The key provision is a straightforward requirement for digital menu publication, with no additional details about menu content or nutritional standards. It directly affects all public school districts in Tennessee, ensuring transparency about school meal offerings. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Education Committee.

Maddy summarySJR 143 is a memorial resolution honoring Michael Timme, former executive director of the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations. The resolution commemorates his 35-year career in state government, including roles in the Office of the Comptroller of the Treasury, Department of Finance and Administration, and Department of Education, while expressing condolences to his family. This symbolic gesture, passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor, does not create new laws or affect policy but formally recognizes his public service and personal contributions.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 54 is a memorial resolution honoring James Ralph Inman, Sr., a Kingston, Tennessee resident and public servant who passed away. The resolution recognizes his U.S. Army service, 30+ years of work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, community leadership at First Baptist Church, and dedication to family values. It expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's condolences to his family while commemorating his legacy of integrity and public service. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally celebrates his life and contributions.