Sen. Shane Reeves

Maddy summarySB 874, now Public Chapter 200, creates the "Tennessee Century Farms Act" to recognize family farms operating continuously for over 100 years. It directly affects qualifying farms meeting specific criteria: at least 10 acres, $1,000 annual revenue, family ownership for 100+ years, and at least one resident owner. The law establishes a program where the Agriculture Commissioner will designate century farms, provide free commemorative signs to owners, and maintain a public database to promote awareness of these historic farms' contributions to Tennessee's agriculture and economy. The program uses existing department resources and collaborates with historic preservation groups.

Maddy summarySB 436 requires Tennessee's Medicaid program (TennCare) to consider using biosimilar drugs - cost-saving, FDA-approved versions of biologic medications - as part of its drug coverage strategy. It also allows health insurers to require patients to try a biosimilar before covering a branded drug, and directs the state's pharmacy advisory committee to factor biosimilar use into recommendations for the state drug formulary. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections governing drug coverage, pharmacy practices, and formulary decisions. These changes aim to reduce prescription drug costs by expanding the use of biosimilars while maintaining FDA safety and efficacy standards. The bill directly affects TennCare patients, health insurers, and the state's drug formulary decision-making process.

Maddy summarySB 889 increases Tennessee counties' maximum tax rate for minerals like sand, gravel, and limestone from 15 cents to 30 cents per ton over a 10-year period (phased at 20¢ by 2030 and 30¢ by 2035). Counties must approve any rate increase with a two-thirds vote of their legislative body, and Smith County can no longer use mineral tax revenue for general funds - it must go exclusively to road funding. The bill also requires counties to report annually on how mineral tax revenue is spent for road construction and maintenance. This law, effective upon enactment, directly affects mineral extraction businesses and county budgets across Tennessee.

Maddy summarySB 428 requires insurers offering health insurance plans to Tennessee state employees to treat non-opioid pain medications (FDA-approved for pain treatment) equally with opioids on their preferred drug list, ensuring they are not disadvantaged in coverage or discouraged. It also mandates separate reimbursement for healthcare providers and hospitals when non-opioid pain treatments are provided to covered employees. The law applies immediately upon FDA approval of a non-opioid drug and takes effect July 1, 2025. This directly affects insurers and state employee health plans under Tennessee Code.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts buprenorphine prescriptions for opioid addiction treatment to Tennessee-licensed physicians only. It creates a limited exception allowing out-of-state healthcare providers working in state or county jails to prescribe under strict conditions: requiring DEA registration, employment at correctional facilities, and adherence to approved treatment protocols. The law takes effect July 1, 2025. It directly affects prescribing practices in correctional facilities and general medical settings by clarifying who may legally prescribe these medications.

Maddy summarySJR 352 is a ceremonial resolution commending Tyler Martin for his service as a legislative intern during the 2025 Tennessee General Assembly session. It specifically recognizes his work supporting Senator Shane Reeves and his contributions to the legislative process. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it solely offers formal praise through a written commendation. This type of resolution is standard practice for acknowledging individuals' service to state government.

Maddy summarySB 886 exempts certain real estate brokers in Tennessee from a continuing education requirement. Specifically, it removes the need for brokers originally licensed before January 1, 2005, who do not supervise affiliate brokers to complete 16 hours of real estate training every two years for license renewal. This change applies to license reissuance after brokers have already completed the initial 120 hours of required education. The bill modifies existing license rules in Tennessee Code Annotated Title 62, Chapter 13, effective January 1, 2026. It directly affects older brokers without supervisory roles, simplifying their renewal process.

Maddy summarySB 569 prevents pharmacies from charging administrative fees for hormonal contraceptives when a patient's insurance covers the cost and includes pharmacy benefits. It directly affects insured patients seeking hormonal contraceptives and pharmacists who previously might have charged such fees. The bill amends Tennessee law to remove language allowing pharmacies to require these fees, ensuring patients covered by insurance do not face additional costs. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all pharmacies in Tennessee.

Maddy summarySB 1063 removes two notification requirements related to prior authorization for healthcare services in Tennessee. It eliminates the requirement for healthcare providers to notify patients when communicating with insurance companies about missing information for prior authorization, and it removes the requirement for insurance companies to notify patients when additional information is needed from the patient or provider. The bill directly affects healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients by reducing administrative steps in the prior authorization process. These changes amend Tennessee Code sections 63-1-171 and 56-6-705, effective April 3, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 559 (Tennessee Code Annotated Title 66, Chapter 31) changes rules for self-service storage facilities. It states that if a tenant doesn’t sign a revised rental agreement but continues using the storage unit for 30 days after receiving it, they’re considered to have accepted the new terms. The bill also requires owners to give tenants 15 days’ notice before terminating a lease, and allows owners to dispose of unclaimed property after that period. This law, effective July 1, 2025, directly affects storage facility tenants and owners by clarifying acceptance of rental changes and termination procedures.