Sen. Shane Reeves

Maddy summarySB 435 requires Tennessee health insurers and TennCare to cover biomarker testing for diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring of diseases starting January 1, 2026. Biomarker testing - medical tests analyzing genes, proteins, or other biological markers - must be covered when supported by FDA approvals, clinical guidelines, or evidence-based standards. Insurers must process prior authorization requests within 24 hours for urgent cases and 72 hours for non-urgent ones, while ensuring coverage avoids repeated biopsies. This affects all private health benefit plans and TennCare enrollees by mandating coverage for specific, evidence-based diagnostic and treatment tests.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution honors Kayla Markwei, a student at Central Magnet High School, for being named the 2026 Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Club of Rutherford County. The document formally commends her eleven years of membership and recognizes her achievements in leadership, academics, and community service. It does not create any new laws or change existing policies but serves solely as an official record of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution officially designates the week of April 27 to May 1, 2026, as Health Information Technology Week in Tennessee. It recognizes the Tennessee Chapter of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society for its work in advancing technology within the state's healthcare system. The measure highlights how digital tools help improve care delivery and address public health challenges while acknowledging the industry's significant economic impact. As a commemorative resolution, it does not alter laws or create new regulations but serves to honor the contributions of health technology professionals.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution honors Rosalie Clement, a fifth-grade student at McFadden School of Excellence in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for her academic achievements and community involvement. The bill recognizes her 4.0 grade point average, participation in the National Beta Club and 4-H, and dedication to martial arts and volunteer service. By passing this resolution, the Tennessee General Assembly formally commends her efforts and extends best wishes for her future success. The document serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a policy change affecting broader populations.

Maddy summarySB 1788 prohibits Tennessee local governments (like cities or counties) from moving homeless individuals to another jurisdiction without first getting written agreement from that receiving area. It also bans using public funds for such relocations unless housing and services are confirmed available in the new location. The bill authorizes Tennessee’s attorney general to impose civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation and lets affected jurisdictions sue for damages or block violations through court orders. These changes apply to local government actions under Tennessee law, directly impacting how municipalities handle homeless population relocations.

Maddy summarySB 1935 extends Tennessee's homestead exemption - a property tax protection - to adult children (18+ years old) with developmental or intellectual disabilities when a head of household dies. Currently, the exemption covers surviving spouses and minor children; this bill adds eligible adult children who live in the home as their primary residence. The law uses existing definitions of "developmental disability" and "intellectual disability" from state code, and ensures that if property can't be protected as homestead, $35,000 in proceeds must be allocated to the adult child or spouse. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and directly affects families with disabled adult children facing potential loss of their home after a parent's death.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts Tennessee's animal health commissioner from mandating tests or vaccinations for general animal health protection. Instead, the commissioner may only require such measures to detect or treat USDA-listed "notifiable" (emergency/emerging/regulatory) or "monitored" (endemic) diseases. The commissioner retains the ability to recommend tests or vaccinations for general animal health protection. The law directly affects animal owners, importers, and the commissioner by narrowing when mandatory health actions can be ordered under state law.

Maddy summarySB 2694 amends Shelbyville's utility governance by removing the city manager from the Power, Water and Sewerage System Board and replacing that position with an additional city council member. This changes the board composition from five citizen members plus two city council members to five citizen members plus three city council members. The bill requires Shelbyville's city council to approve the change by a two-thirds vote before it takes effect. The legislation does not affect current board members' terms or the board's existing compensation rules.

Maddy summarySB 2547 shortens the deadline for notifying appointing authorities about vacancies on Tennessee's underground storage tanks and solid waste disposal control board, reducing the timeframe from 90 to 45 days. This procedural change directly affects the board members and the state agencies responsible for appointing replacements. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections related to solid waste management to implement this faster notification requirement, streamlining vacancy reporting without altering substantive waste disposal policies.

Maddy summarySB 2562 requires that any vacancy on Tennessee's Human Trafficking Advisory Council be filled for the remaining term using the same appointment process as the original selection. This applies directly to the council members and the state agencies responsible for appointing them. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections to standardize this vacancy-filling procedure across all relevant state councils and advisory bodies. It does not change the council's duties or create new policies, only clarifying how appointments are made when positions become vacant.