Sen. Paul Bailey

Maddy summarySB 793 requires the Tennessee Commissioner of Health to submit a report to the chairs of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and the relevant House committee on the current standards and policies governing assisted reproductive technology (ART) in the state by July 1, 2025. This bill does not create new regulations or change existing laws but mandates a formal update for legislative committees on how ART - such as in vitro fertilization - is currently regulated. The report will provide lawmakers with a clear overview of the state's existing framework for fertility treatments without altering any policy. This procedural requirement ensures transparency for elected officials overseeing health-related matters.

Maddy summarySB 243 creates a Class E felony for altering, defacing, or removing a firearm's permanent serial number or distinguishing mark, or for selling, purchasing, or possessing such a modified firearm. It directly affects individuals who tamper with firearm identification or handle firearms with altered markings. The bill imposes a mandatory minimum 180-day prison sentence for violations, with no possibility of early release. This law amends Tennessee Code sections covering criminal offenses related to firearms and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 54 (SR 54) is a ceremonial tribute passed by the Tennessee Senate to honor Lillian Dagner on her 100th birthday. The resolution recognizes her service as a nurse during World War II, her lifelong community involvement, and her personal qualities like wisdom and generosity. It does not create new laws or affect policies - it is a formal expression of respect from the legislature for a specific individual. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Senate on March 24, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 55 honors Debbie Hamby for 50 years of service at Cumberland Medical Center in Crossville. It recognizes her dedication to patient care, community health, and public service through a formal Senate resolution. The resolution, passed unanimously by the Tennessee Senate on March 24, 2025, commends her contributions to healthcare in Cumberland County and the state. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding legal effect or policy changes - it solely serves as a public acknowledgment of her service. The resolution was signed by the Senate Speaker and prepared for presentation to Ms. Hamby.

Maddy summarySB 285 changes the legal standard debtors must meet to challenge foreclosure sale prices in Tennessee. It replaces the current "preponderance of the evidence" requirement with a higher "clear and convincing evidence" standard, making it harder for homeowners to prove their property was sold for significantly less than fair market value. This directly affects debtors seeking to rebut the legal presumption that foreclosure sale prices reflect fair market value. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 35, Section 35-5-117(c), and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 512 prohibits the sale, offering for sale, or free sampling of counterfeit or unsafe lighters in Tennessee. It directly affects retailers and distributors of lighters by banning products that infringe on intellectual property rights or fail to meet ASTM safety standards for cigarette/cigar lighters (F400-20) or grill/fireplace lighters (F2201-20). The law includes exceptions for lighters passing through the state during interstate transport or stored in warehouses not open to the public. Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under existing consumer protection law, and the bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 514 requires Tennessee public schools and charter schools to provide age-appropriate instruction on accessing, using, and critically evaluating artificial intelligence tools within regular classes starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill mandates the Tennessee Department of Education to issue implementation guidance covering basic AI concepts, practical applications, responsible usage, tool access, and critical thinking skills. It also directs the department to offer AI-focused professional development for educators, contingent on available funding. This bill directly affects all local education agencies and public charter schools in Tennessee by integrating AI literacy into standard curricula.

Maddy summarySB 410 changes the deadline for money transmitters in Tennessee to pay an annual fee and submit renewal reports. It moves the deadline from November 1 to October 15 for the annual nonrefundable supervision fee and renewal report under the Money Transmission Modernization Act. This affects financial institutions licensed to operate money transmission services in Tennessee. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 45-7-116(a)(2) and 45-7-116(b) to reflect the new dates. The change simplifies timing for licensees but does not alter the fee amount or reporting requirements.

Maddy summarySB 792 requires Tennessee's district attorneys general conference to compile an annual report detailing all convictions under the Terrorism Prevention and Response Act of 2002 from the previous year. The report must be submitted to the Tennessee General Assembly by January 15 each year, starting in 2026. This bill directly affects state prosecutors who must collect and submit these conviction statistics, providing lawmakers with yearly data on terrorism-related prosecutions. It does not change existing terrorism laws or penalties but establishes a routine reporting mechanism for transparency.

Maddy summarySB 796 reconstitutes Tennessee's Board of Water Quality, Oil and Gas, effective July 1, 2025, replacing its current membership with a new 12-member board. The board will include three ex-officio commissioners (environment, health, and agriculture) and nine citizen members appointed by the governor to represent specific interests: the public-at-large, environmental groups, counties, agriculture, municipalities, automotive businesses, manufacturing, oil/gas industry, and oil/gas property owners. Appointees must meet residency requirements, be in compliance with water regulations, and serve four-year terms with staggered initial terms ending between 2027-2029. The bill does not alter water quality regulations but changes the board’s composition and appointment process.