Sen. Dawn White

Maddy summarySB 2142 deletes an outdated requirement that previously mandated three Tennessee state agencies - the administrative office of the courts, department of children's services, and commission on children and youth - to jointly submit a report on juvenile justice data collection by January 1, 2019. This procedural bill removes a statute from Tennessee law that had no current application, as the reporting deadline passed years ago. The change affects only the agencies previously required to submit the report, with no new obligations or policy changes. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and is a routine cleanup of obsolete legal language.

Maddy summarySB 1021 requires Tennessee's public universities to include the state legislature (the General Assembly) in their annual reports about foreign gifts and contracts. The bill updates existing law by adding "the general assembly" to the list of entities receiving these disclosures, which previously included only the Department of Safety and other specified bodies. This change directly affects all public institutions of higher education in Tennessee, expanding their reporting obligations under current disclosure requirements. The bill does not alter the substance of the reports but modifies who must receive them.

Maddy summarySB 1582 extends the deadline for the advisory committee on innovations in K-12 education to submit its final report from December 31, 2025, to June 1, 2026. This bill directly affects the committee, which will now continue operating until the new deadline rather than ceasing on the original date. The change is procedural, amending Chapter 426 of the 2025 Public Acts to update the committee's reporting timeline. No new policies or funding are created - only the schedule for the committee's work is adjusted. The bill passed the Tennessee Senate unanimously on February 2, 2026, and is pending in the House.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commends Griffin Hancock for his exemplary service as a legislative intern for Senator Dawn White during the 2026 session. The resolution recognizes his contributions to the Senate Education Committee, including organizing weekly calendars and assisting with legislative duties. It also highlights his personal background, academic achievements at Freed-Hardeman University, and community service experience. The measure is a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a policy change, and it does not affect any laws or regulations.

Maddy summarySJR 693 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Jimmy Pitts, a Smyrna resident and community leader, for receiving Leadership Rutherford's 2025 Pinnacle Award. It recognizes his over 30 years of service across industries like healthcare and real estate, plus his volunteer work with local groups including the Smyrna Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Boys & Girls Club, and Senior Activity Center. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation for his community contributions.

Maddy summarySJR 694 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Dow Smith for receiving Tennessee's 2025 "Business at Its Best Award." It formally congratulates Smith on his entrepreneurial achievements, community service, and integration of faith-based values into his business leadership. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is purely a symbolic gesture of recognition by the Tennessee General Assembly. It directly affects only Dow Smith, acknowledging his decades-long business growth and community impact through the award. The resolution was enacted after passing both chambers and receiving the Governor's signature on February 20, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 692) honoring Norman Brown as the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Business Legend of the Year. It formally recognizes his service as a third-generation business owner who grew Roscoe Brown, Inc. into a major regional HVAC, plumbing, and insulation company while supporting community initiatives. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely a symbolic tribute approved by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 2107 modifies Tennessee school search procedures by allowing trained school employees (not just officers) to conduct secondary searches of student or visitor containers/packages after initial metal detector or handheld device screenings detect potential threats. It requires these employees to complete state-developed training before conducting such searches. The bill specifies that physical searches of a person’s clothing (like pockets) must follow different rules, and it clarifies that searches cannot violate constitutional protections or override law enforcement authority. This directly affects students and visitors entering school buildings or designated areas.

Maddy summarySB 2105 requires Tennessee public charter schools and local school boards to publish written policies governing artificial intelligence (AI) use by students, teachers, and staff for instruction and assignments on their websites. Local boards must also direct all schools under their control to post these policies. Schools must adopt these policies by the 2024-2025 school year, with annual compliance reports to the state education department starting July 1, 2024. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, directly affecting all public charter schools and local school districts in Tennessee.

Maddy summarySB 1606 requires Tennessee school districts (Local Education Agencies or LEAs) to publish their character education curriculum online on the district's official website. This bill amends Tennessee law to mandate this transparency, making the curriculum accessible to the public. It directly affects school districts by adding a new public posting requirement for their character education materials. The policy change is purely procedural, focusing on accessibility rather than altering curriculum content or funding.