Sen. Ken Yager

Maddy summarySJR 190 is a memorial resolution honoring Sheriff Wayne M. Potter of Morgan County, Tennessee, following his passing. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's condolences to his family and commemorates his 27-year law enforcement career, including his service as Morgan County Sheriff (2018-2023) and roles with multiple local departments. It does not create new laws or policies - it solely serves as a formal expression of respect for his public service and personal legacy. The resolution was passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 756 allows retired campus police officers in Tennessee to be rehired as law enforcement officers under the state retirement system without losing their retirement benefits. It specifically updates pension law to include campus police officers alongside sheriff's deputies in this provision. The bill also extends the deadline for this rule from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2027, delaying when the policy would automatically expire. This directly affects retired campus police officers seeking to return to law enforcement roles while maintaining their pension benefits. The changes amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Chapter 36, Part 8.

Maddy summarySB 762 would require every Tennessee county to impose a 5% tax on the retail price of lottery tickets and digital lottery shares sold to consumers. The state Department of Revenue would collect and administer this tax, with lottery retailers responsible for monthly reporting and payment. Two percent of the tax revenue would cover administrative costs, while the remainder would be distributed per existing lottery fund rules. This bill directly affects counties (as tax leviers) and lottery retailers (as tax collectors).

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 1334) amends Tennessee law to extend the time owners have to claim seized fireworks from 10 to 14 days after the state fire marshal publishes a notice of seizure. It directly affects owners of fireworks that have been seized by authorities, giving them four additional days to formally claim their property before the state may destroy it. The key change modifies Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-104-115(b)(2) to specify the 14-day period. The amendment takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not alter the destruction process itself - only the claim window.

Maddy summarySB 1333 extends the processing time for fireworks exhibitor licenses in Tennessee from 60 to 75 days after an applicant submits a complete application that meets all legal requirements. This change directly affects individuals and businesses seeking to legally sell or display fireworks, as it gives the fire marshal an additional 15 days to issue licenses. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 104, Section 205, solely to adjust this administrative deadline without altering licensing standards or fees. It does not change eligibility rules or impact the public directly. The amendment takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 60 is a formal resolution honoring Michael Timme, a Tennessee state employee with 35 years of service. It recognizes his work across state agencies - including the Comptroller’s Office, Department of Education, and Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations - as well as his personal contributions, such as teaching and community music. The resolution has no policy provisions or legal effect; it is solely a ceremonial tribute. It was introduced and passed by the Tennessee General Assembly in early 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 33 is a ceremonial joint resolution honoring Pastor Ted Clower for his 43 years of service as pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Roane County, Tennessee (from 1980 to 2024). It recognizes his leadership in founding church ministries (including youth, children's, and jail mission programs) and his community involvement. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is purely a formal expression of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly. It was signed by both legislative chambers and the Governor in February 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee law increases the penalty for indecent exposure to a Class E felony when the act is committed by someone currently in prison who intends to abuse, torment, harass, or embarrass a guard or staff member. The bill mandates a minimum 14-day jail sentence for these offenses, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence the person is already serving at the time of the crime. Additionally, if an individual is convicted of multiple instances of this behavior, each resulting sentence must also be served one after another rather than at the same time. These changes apply to all cases occurring on or after July 1, 2024.

Maddy summarySB 1000 amends Tennessee state law to change the composition of the Tennessee Housing Development Agency's governing board. Specifically, the bill reduces the number of board members from nine to eight. This change applies directly to the agency responsible for administering housing programs in the state. The legislation takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Tennessee tax law to clarify how sales and use tax exemptions apply to individuals who have filed claims for natural disaster relief. Specifically, it updates the legal language to allow a tax exemption claim to be signed either by the claimant or by an authorized representative acting on their behalf. The change ensures that people who cannot sign documents themselves can still receive tax relief through a designated agent without facing additional administrative hurdles.