Maddy summarySB 1792 requires Tennessee's Department of Transportation to reimburse utilities for relocation costs when highway projects necessitate moving infrastructure like power lines, water pipes, or fiber optic networks. It sets a $2.5 million minimum reimbursement for projects exceeding that cost, while allowing higher payments at the commissioner's discretion. The bill clarifies that modern infrastructure - including broadband and fiber optics - is included under "utility" (aligning with current policy), and mandates the commissioner consider factors like ratepayer impact and project scale when approving reimbursements. This codifies existing practice without requiring new state funding, directly affecting utilities and highway construction projects.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 875 requires Tennessee's Department of Economic and Community Development to annually revise and certify county and municipal population figures by July 1 each year, using estimates generated by the University of Tennessee's Boyd Center. This ensures state funds allocated to local governments - based on population - remain current between the decennial federal census. The bill mandates that all population-based revenue distributions (e.g., for infrastructure, services) use these updated figures, except during years with a federal census or special municipal censuses. It directly affects all Tennessee counties and municipalities receiving population-linked state funding. The change takes effect January 2026.
Maddy summarySB 885 amends Tennessee's tax code to allow nuclear energy production facilities to qualify for pollution control tax credits, expanding eligibility beyond existing wind and solar sources. This change directly affects nuclear energy facilities in Tennessee by enabling them to claim tax credits for certain machinery and equipment used in pollution control. The bill modifies Section 67-4-2004(9)(A) of the Tennessee Code to explicitly include nuclear energy production facilities in the list of eligible energy sources. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2025, and is part of a broader tax incentive framework for clean energy projects.
Maddy summarySB 433 prohibits abandoning an animal in one's custody and removes the defense that the animal was left near a shelter, veterinary clinic, or other care facility if the person didn't make reasonable arrangements for the animal's care. This law directly affects individuals who abandon pets, making it a criminal offense even if the animal was left near a shelter. The key provision amends Tennessee Code § 39-14-202(a)(3) to explicitly state that such abandonment cannot be defended by proximity to a care facility. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, strengthening accountability for animal abandonment.
Maddy summarySB 438 creates an advisory task force to examine solid waste management issues in Tennessee and authorizes the Department of Environment and Conservation to accept voluntary contributions and apply for private grants for recycling infrastructure, recycling projects, and composting initiatives. The bill requires the department to publish a report on its website regarding these efforts. It amends multiple sections of Tennessee law related to waste management, including provisions for grant funding and reporting. The bill became effective on May 9, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 881 removes limits on penalties for pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) that fail to pay pharmacies promptly under Tennessee law. It requires PBMs to pay "clean claims" (complete, error-free claims) within 30 days for paper submissions and 14 days for electronic submissions, with interest accruing for late payments. The bill establishes tiered penalties: failing to pay 95% of clean claims triggers up to $10,000 in fines, 85% triggers $10,000-$100,000, and 60% triggers $100,000-$200,000. This directly affects PBMs (like those managing prescription drug benefits) and pharmacies that rely on timely payments from them.
Maddy summarySB 890 requires Tennessee health insurance companies to create two digital systems: one allowing healthcare providers to access patient electronic health records and another for processing prior authorization requests (like insurance approvals for treatments). It also shortens the timeline for certain health insurance actions by changing the requirement from 10 working days to 10 calendar days. This law directly affects health insurance entities, healthcare providers, and patients by improving access to medical records and streamlining authorization processes. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 876 increases fees for mail-order vehicle registration renewals in Tennessee. It raises the fee for handling mail-order plate renewals from $5 to $7 and the fee for mail-order decals from $2 to $3. These changes apply to county clerks who process mail-in registration renewals, directly affecting vehicle owners who use this service. The bill also allows future annual fee adjustments to match U.S. Postal Service price changes. The new fees take effect July 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 557 extends the annual nursing home assessment fee in Tennessee from its original deadline of June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The bill directly affects nursing homes licensed in Tennessee, which must pay this fee as part of TennCare (Tennessee's Medicaid program). Key provisions amend specific sections of Tennessee law to update all reference dates from the 2024-2025 fiscal year to 2025-2026. This is a straightforward timing extension with no new fees or policy changes, enacted as Public Chapter 345.
Maddy summarySJR 473 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the birth of Eleni McKinley Halkias, a baby girl whose mother, Hannah Halkias, works as a legislative assistant for Senator Shane Reeves. The resolution, sponsored by Senator Reeves, formally expresses the General Assembly's "joy and pride" in welcoming the newborn to the community. It has no policy impact or legal effect - it is purely symbolic, with no provisions or mechanisms beyond the ceremonial recognition. The resolution was approved by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on May 5, 2025.