Sen. Paul Bailey

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 49) is a ceremonial tribute honoring Randall Earl Heady, former mayor of Jackson County, Tennessee, and longtime public servant. It commemorates his life, career (including 28 years at Carwile Mechanical, eight years as county commissioner, and his 2018 mayoral service), and family, while extending condolences to his wife, children, and surviving relatives. The resolution has no policy provisions or direct impact on legislation; it serves solely as a formal memorial. It was signed into law by the Governor on March 4, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 31 adjusts the seasonal weight restriction period for commercial vehicles on Tennessee roads. It changes the start date from January 15 to January 1 each year, extending the window during which the Tennessee Department of Transportation may reduce maximum vehicle weights to protect roads from damage. This affects commercial trucking companies operating on state highways, as they may face weight restrictions earlier in the year. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 55-7-103(a) to reflect this date change, without altering the core policy or requiring new funding.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 3 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Tennessee Senate to commend Robert Glenn Officer on his election as Most Excellent Great Chief of the Grand Council of Knight Masons of the United States. The resolution recognizes his community service, including roles as a school counselor, adjunct faculty member, and Sparta Vice-Mayor, alongside his leadership in Masonic organizations and fraternal groups. It does not create legal obligations or change policies - it is purely a formal expression of honor.

Maddy summarySB 767 requires local governments in "broadband ready communities" to review broadband project applications within 30 calendar days (not 30 business days) after submission. This change directly affects municipalities and applicants by shortening the review timeline to include weekends and holidays. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections related to broadband development to implement this 30-day calendar deadline requirement. It aims to streamline the approval process for broadband infrastructure projects without altering other policy details.

Maddy summarySB 791 clarifies that individuals unlawfully present in the U.S. (defined per federal immigration law) cannot file lawsuits or appear as plaintiffs in civil cases under Tennessee Code Title 29 (which covers labor and employment matters). The bill amends multiple Tennessee code sections to explicitly deny these individuals "standing" in such proceedings, meaning they would be barred from initiating or participating in lawsuits related to employment or labor rights. This change directly affects unauthorized immigrants seeking legal recourse for workplace issues under Title 29. The bill takes effect upon enactment and does not alter other legal rights or procedures outside this specific context.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the annual filing deadline for professional corporations in Tennessee. Currently, these corporations must submit their qualification statements to licensing authorities by January 1 each year; the bill moves this deadline to January 15. It directly affects domestic and foreign professional corporations authorized to provide licensed services in Tennessee, such as those in law, medicine, or accounting. The amendment updates specific sections of Tennessee law (Titles 4, 39, 47, 48, 62, and 63) to reflect this new filing window. The change provides corporations with an additional two weeks to complete their annual compliance filings.

Maddy summarySB 999 removes an outdated requirement from Tennessee law that previously mandated the insurance commissioner to study whether certain insurance laws deter companies from covering people who used justified force (including deadly force) for self-defense or property protection. The bill deletes Section 56-1-108 of Tennessee Code, which required this study and a report to the legislature by March 1, 2012 - long after the deadline expired. This change affects only the state's insurance commissioner, eliminating a redundant administrative task with no current legal obligation. The bill does not alter insurance coverage rules or affect policyholders, as it solely removes a repealed procedural requirement.

Maddy summarySB 998 changes Tennessee law to extend the time insurance companies must remove an officer or director after receiving a commissioner order from 30 to 35 days. This affects insurance companies required to comply with orders from the Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee Code (Title 4, 56, and 71) to implement this 5-day extension. The change provides companies with a slightly longer timeframe to adjust their leadership structure following regulatory action. The bill is currently in committee review after being introduced in February 2025.

Maddy summarySB 513 extends the deadline for retired emergency medical services (EMS) employees to return to work without losing retirement benefits from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2028. This affects EMS workers who retired from the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) and wish to rejoin the workforce after at least 60 days of retirement, provided they meet specific conditions. The bill amends Tennessee law (TCA Title 8, Chapter 36, Part 8 and Title 68, Chapter 140, Part 3) to update the expiration date for this provision. The change ensures eligible retirees can continue working in EMS roles without penalty for an additional three years.

Maddy summarySB 1001 removes an obsolete reference to January 1, 2010, from Tennessee law regarding electronic health insurance claims data reporting. The bill updates existing requirements so that group health plans and health insurance issuers must continue to provide monthly electronic claims data for state residents to the commissioner of commerce and insurance or a designated entity, without a fixed historical deadline. This is a procedural update to modernize the statute, not a change to the reporting obligation itself.