Sen. Shane Reeves

Maddy summarySB 431 adjusts Tennessee property tax assessments for buildings or improvements destroyed, demolished, or substantially damaged by disasters (like fire or flood) between September 1 and December 31. It requires assessors to prorate the tax for the portion of the year the property was damaged and apply that amount to the next tax year if the property isn't restored by January 1. For federally declared disasters, owners may also qualify for proration if damage exceeds 30 days - even if restored by January 1 - after applying to the assessor and with local government approval. This directly affects property owners in affected areas, providing tax relief for disaster-related damage.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Tennessee nursing home annual assessment fee schedule to extend its application through June 30, 2025. It directly affects nursing homes and the state agencies responsible for collecting these fees by shifting the relevant fiscal years from 2023-2024 to 2024-2025. The legislation achieves this by systematically replacing specific dates and fiscal year references in the state code with their updated counterparts. Consequently, the fee collection period begins on July 1, 2024, and remains in effect until the end of the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Tennessee laws governing physician assistants and nurses by clarifying definitions and expanding the scope of practice for physician assistants. It allows physician assistants to perform specific minor procedures, such as skin biopsies and IUD insertions, and permits them to assist physicians with more complex surgeries if they are credentialed and the physician is present. Additionally, the legislation formalizes the distinction between practicing under a standard protocol and an "endorsement," which grants certain physician assistants greater autonomy to practice without strict protocols while still requiring consultation with a collaborating physician. These changes directly affect healthcare providers and the regulatory boards overseeing their licensure and practice standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the ability of private companies to be sued in class-action lawsuits following a cybersecurity breach. It applies to any private business, including non-profits, and protects them from civil liability unless the breach was caused by willful misconduct, wanton behavior, or gross negligence. The law defines a cybersecurity event as unauthorized access to or disruption of an information system containing sensitive personal data, such as social security numbers or financial account details. By raising the standard of fault required for lawsuits, the bill aims to reduce the legal exposure for organizations that suffer data breaches through ordinary negligence.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the County Powers Relief Act to change the deadline for counties to respond to certain state directives from thirty days to twenty-one days. It directly affects county governments in Tennessee by requiring them to act more quickly on specific administrative matters. The change is a procedural adjustment to the existing law, shortening the time frame for compliance without altering the underlying authority of the state or the counties.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Tennessee laws governing the Health Facilities Commission to improve how the agency issues enforcement orders against nursing homes. Specifically, it requires the commission to mail these orders within ten working days of an inspection and to clearly explain the facts, laws, and steps for contesting the decision. The change directly affects nursing home operators by ensuring they receive timely, detailed notices of violations and their right to appeal. This procedural update aims to increase transparency in the regulatory process without altering the commission's overall authority.

Maddy summaryThis law requires healthcare providers and insurance companies in Tennessee to follow federal rules that prevent them from blocking patients from accessing their electronic health records. It specifically prohibits contracts that stop patients from viewing their medical data and mandates that insurance companies provide digital tools for patients and doctors to share information. The bill also sets strict limits on when certain sensitive test results, such as cancer diagnoses or HIV status, can be shared electronically, delaying their release by 72 hours unless a doctor approves earlier access. Additionally, it empowers the state attorney general to sue for violations and imposes escalating fines that increase based on whether the provider acted negligently, knowingly, or for financial gain.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state to cover the costs of mental health evaluations and treatment for criminal defendants charged with misdemeanors who are deemed incompetent to stand trial or whose mental capacity is in question. While the state assumes financial responsibility, courts retain the authority to order defendants who can afford it to pay all or part of these expenses. Additionally, the legislation mandates that any inpatient evaluations for these misdemeanor defendants be completed within thirty days of admission to the facility. The law amends existing state codes and became effective on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis law requires county governments to maintain a minimum budget for the county mayor's office that is at least equal to the average budget spent on that office over the previous five years. The rule specifically protects funding for salaries, benefits, office supplies, communication costs, training, and membership fees from being cut below this calculated average. If a county legislative body wants to reduce the budget below this five-year average, the county mayor must approve the reduction. The legislation amends state statutes to ensure these financial protections are codified for future fiscal planning.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that autopsy reports and medical examiner findings for minor victims of violent crimes are not public documents, protecting their privacy. It allows these reports to be shared only if the minor's parent or guardian consents, provided they are not suspects in the case, or if a court orders the release for a specific reason. The law also explicitly states that medical records, police investigation files, and photos of deceased individuals remain private. By amending several state codes, the legislation ensures that sensitive information about child homicide victims is kept confidential unless specific conditions are met.