Sen. Paul Bailey

Maddy summarySB 794 designates the Southern Stars Symphonic Brass as Tennessee's official state brass band. This ceremonial bill, enacted on April 11, 2025, recognizes the band's musical contributions through symbolic state designation without creating new policies, funding, or regulatory requirements. The band, based in Crossville and featuring musicians from multiple Tennessee communities, is highlighted for its performances across the state and at national events like the Great American Brass Band Festival. The law amends Tennessee Code Annotated to include this official designation within state symbols.

Maddy summarySB 765 extends the deadline for banks and financial institutions (garnishees) from one to two business days to act after receiving a court-ordered garnishment. Specifically, it requires these institutions to determine within five business days if they hold funds belonging to a judgment debtor, place holds on available funds, and send written notice to the debtor. The bill also adds provisions allowing reasonable attorney fees if warranty claims are not paid within 30 days, affecting banking transactions under Titles 47 of Tennessee law. This law, effective April 11, 2025, directly impacts banks handling garnishments and debtors receiving notices.

Maddy summarySB 766 allows premium finance companies in Tennessee to charge customers convenience fees for using credit cards, debit cards, or electronic payments (like e-transfers), but only to cover their actual processing costs. Companies must disclose the fee amount before payment, offer alternatives like checks or cash without fees, and cannot charge more than the average cost of processing electronic payments. The bill also permits a single handling charge if a payment method (like a check) bounces, but prohibits charging fees for transactions where payment networks forbid them. This directly affects premium finance companies and their customers who pay insurance premiums through electronic methods.

Maddy summarySB 915 removes existing restrictions on temporary excavation sites ("borrow pits") used for road construction in counties certified by FEMA for Hurricane Helene recovery (specifically counties declared disaster areas between September 26-October 3, 2024). It applies only to state-contracted road projects directly supporting Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in those counties. The bill amends Tennessee law to exempt such temporary pits from standard rules governing borrow pit use during these recovery projects. This change allows faster sourcing of construction materials for road repairs without requiring additional permits.

Maddy summarySB 290 requires that certain physical searches of students and searches of lockers, vehicles, or other property on school grounds must be conducted only by a school resource officer acting as a school official. It specifically mandates that principals must notify and obtain parental consent before physically searching any student under 18 years old. The bill also includes explicit language stating these search provisions cannot violate the Fourth Amendment or Tennessee’s constitutional protections against unreasonable searches. This law directly affects school staff conducting searches, students (particularly minors), and school resource officers’ authority on school property.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (not a law) honoring Paramedic Mike Burdick for his 30-year career with Cumberland County EMS. It formally recognizes his service, professionalism, and dedication to community safety as he retires. The resolution expresses the Senate's commendation and extends best wishes for his retirement. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new policies or affect any laws or regulations. The resolution was unanimously adopted and signed by the Senate Speaker on April 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 143) is a symbolic tribute honoring The Arc of Cumberland County for its 50th anniversary. It recognizes the organization's five decades of providing community support, education, employment, and housing assistance to individuals with intellectual disabilities in Cumberland County, Tennessee. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely expresses legislative appreciation for the Arc's service to the community. (Adopted unanimously by the Tennessee Senate on April 17, 2025.)

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 142) honoring Alene Gracey, a Sparta resident, for celebrating her 100th birthday. It contains no policy changes or affected parties - only symbolic recognition of her life and contributions to Tennessee. The resolution formally congratulates her on this milestone and extends "best wishes for many happy returns of the day" from the Tennessee Senate. As a non-binding tribute, it has no legislative impact beyond the ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summarySB 138 requires the TennCare program to reimburse air ambulance services operating within Tennessee at a rate of at least 67.5% of the federal Medicare program's standard rate for participating providers. This directly affects public and private air ambulance companies with a Tennessee base that provide covered emergency or nonemergency transports to TennCare recipients. The bill mandates this reimbursement rate for all covered services, applying to transports occurring on or after the law's effective date. It amends Tennessee Code Sections 71-5-165 (Title 71) and related provisions in Title 68.

Maddy summarySB 168 creates a restricted account within Tennessee's "reserve for revenue fluctuations" fund to allow the state treasurer, with comptroller approval, to purchase and sell precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, or palladium bullion or coins). The bill requires an initial transfer of 1-3% of the reserve fund’s balance (as of July 1, 2025) into this account, with annual adjustments based on fund value. It mandates that all metals be state-owned, securely stored, independently audited, and kept separate from other state assets, while prohibiting public inspection of related procurement records. This legislation directly affects the state treasury’s investment practices under Tennessee Code § 9-4-211 and § 9-4-612.