Sen. Shane Reeves

Maddy summarySB 1936 creates a new licensing system for facilities providing nonresidential care to medically dependent children under 20 who require technology-based nursing care (e.g., ventilators or feeding tubes). These "prescribed pediatric extended care centers" must serve four or more unrelated minors and provide care for no more than 12 hours per day. The bill requires TennCare (Tennessee’s Medicaid program) to seek federal approval to cover services from these licensed centers. It defines key terms like "medically dependent minor" and sets requirements for facility licensing, including background checks and facility zoning compliance.

Maddy summarySB 1796 requires Tennessee's Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance to publish a report by October 1, 2026, detailing alleged violations of pharmacy reimbursement laws (specifically §56-7-3124) by pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) during the prior fiscal year. The report must include the total number of reported violations, the commissioner's investigation findings, and any penalties imposed for violations. This bill directly affects PBMs (who manage prescription drug benefits for insurers) and pharmacies that may face delayed reimbursements, by mandating transparency in enforcement actions without creating new penalties or requirements.

Maddy summarySB 420 prohibits insurers, pharmacy benefits managers, and third-party administrators in Tennessee from altering health plan coverage terms - such as cost-sharing or benefit design - based on whether a patient has access to prescription drug assistance programs (like manufacturer coupons or patient aid). This directly affects health plan enrollees who use such programs to lower drug costs. The bill requires insurers to calculate cost-sharing contributions based on actual patient payments, not external assistance, and applies to plans entered into or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. It aims to prevent insurers from penalizing patients for utilizing available drug cost-saving resources.

Maddy summarySB 2024 amends Tennessee's wage payment law to extend the deadline for paying employees on piece-work or commission basis from the 5th day to the last day of the following month for both regular pay and final payments upon termination. This change directly affects private employers in Tennessee who use these compensation structures and their employees, ensuring payments are made by month's end instead of the 5th. The bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 50-2-103, and applies to wages earned on or after July 1, 2026. It does not alter payment timelines for employees paid hourly or salary.

Maddy summarySB 1045 prohibits state and local governments from requiring developers to pay for infrastructure that isn't essential to their project, such as roads or utilities not directly connected to the development. It specifically applies to residential projects with fewer than 300 single-family homes or 500 multi-family units, defining "nonessential infrastructure" as anything not contiguous to the property or exceeding initial planning estimates. The bill does not change existing tax, zoning, or permitting rules but takes effect July 1, 2025, for new contracts. This directly affects builders and developers by limiting government demands for off-site infrastructure costs.

Maddy summarySB 1785, as introduced, would create a temporary sales tax exemption for groceries and food ingredients purchased by Tennessee residents aged 65 or older between July 1 and September 30, 2026. This exemption applies only to regular retail sales (excluding vending machines and micro markets) during that specific period. The bill amends Tennessee tax law to establish this targeted relief for senior citizens on eligible food purchases. It remains a proposed bill pending legislative action as of the provided dates.

Maddy summarySB 1794 requires owners of dogs classified as "dangerous" (due to unprovoked attacks causing injury or threatening behavior) to register the dog with local animal control within 30 days, keep the dog restrained on a leash or in a secure enclosure at all times, and obtain $100,000 in liability insurance. This applies directly to dog owners in Tennessee whose pets meet the legal definition of "dangerous." The bill creates a public registry of dangerous dogs and allows animal control to seize unregistered or non-compliant dogs, with owners facing fines or court-ordered destruction if they fail to comply. Owners can appeal classification decisions through the court system but must meet all requirements within the specified deadlines.

Maddy summarySB 1810 requires businesses and public entities accepting cash payments to round transactions to the nearest nickel when exact change isn't available, directly affecting retailers, service providers, and government offices handling cash. It specifies that amounts ending in 1-2 cents or 5-6 cents round down, while 3-4 cents or 7-9 cents round up, using the hundredths place to determine the rounding point. The rule applies only to cash transactions, excluding electronic payments and mixed-tender payments (where only the cash portion is rounded). It explicitly preserves exact sales tax calculations and does not alter non-cash payment systems or tax remittance requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally honors T. Wayne Williams for his election as vice president of the National FFA Southern Region for the 2025-2026 term. The resolution recognizes Williams, a 2025 graduate of Cannon County High School and current student at Tennessee Technological University, as the fifteenth National FFA Officer from Tennessee in the organization's history. It acknowledges his previous role as the 2024-2025 Tennessee State FFA President and celebrates his leadership in promoting agriculture education among high school students. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official state recognition of Williams' achievements in agricultural leadership and service.

Maddy summarySJR 704 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Chris Garrett for his upcoming role as 2026 President of Tennessee REALTORS. It recognizes his professional achievements, including being named Tennessee REALTOR of the Year in 2021, his leadership in real estate associations, and his community service. The resolution contains no policy changes or funding; it is a symbolic tribute passed unanimously by both legislative chambers. This is a standard recognition resolution, not a substantive bill affecting laws or regulations.