Sen. Paul Bailey

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a joint resolution that formally honors the memory of John Richard Fox, a deceased public servant from Gainesboro. The document outlines his life achievements, including his roles as a teacher, school administrator, mayor, and community leader, while offering condolences to his surviving family. Because it is a commemorative measure rather than a law creating new rules, it does not change any policies or affect the general public. The resolution has been signed by the Governor and is now complete.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 1104 honors Dr. Chelsea T. Dowell for her contributions to Tennessee as an economics lecturer at Tennessee Technological University. The resolution recognizes her academic achievements, research in economic education, and leadership in developing student skills through real-world projects and partnerships. It also acknowledges her service on the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland's Economic Scholars Program Board and her role as founder of the College of Business Journal for Societal Impact. This legislative measure serves as an official commendation rather than a law that changes policy or affects public programs.

Maddy summarySB 2465 prohibits juveniles adjudicated delinquent for threatening mass violence (as defined in existing Tennessee law) from purchasing or possessing firearms until age 25. It also requires federally licensed firearm dealers to verify a buyer’s eligibility under state law or court orders before selling. The bill significantly increases penalties for sexual exploitation of minors by raising felony classifications based on the quantity of materials involved (e.g., 50+ images become a Class B felony, 100+ become Class A). These changes amend Tennessee Code Sections 37-1-190, 39-17-1307, 39-17-1316, 39-17-1351, 39-17-1352, and sections related to sexual exploitation offenses (39-17-1003 to 39-17-1005). The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2462 updates Tennessee's reporting requirements for district attorneys general. It mandates that district attorneys include specific, non-personally identifying data in their annual reports - such as the number of indictments, case transfers, and case dispositions (including dismissals, pleas, and sentences). The bill also requires court clerks to provide district attorneys and the District Attorneys General Conference direct, unlimited access to court case management systems to collect this data. This affects district attorneys, court clerks, and the statewide conference, streamlining data collection without dictating specific reporting systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally honors and congratulates the Upper Cumberland 18U RAMS homeschool basketball team for winning the NCHBC Division 5 National Championship. The resolution recognizes the team's achievements, including their 26-11 season record and their victory in the championship game against Houston, Texas. It acknowledges the contributions of the players, coaches, families, and the broader homeschool community that supported the team throughout the season. The bill does not change laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial recognition of the team's accomplishments.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors the White County High School Lady Warriors basketball team for reaching the state championship game as runners-up in the TSSAA Division I, Class 3A tournament. The resolution formally acknowledges the team's achievement as their first state tournament appearance since 1997 and recognizes their success alongside their coach and community supporters. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial recognition of the team's athletic accomplishment.

Maddy summarySB 2464 amends Tennessee law to change the required notice period for meetings of the District Attorneys General Conference from "ten (10) calendar days" to "ten (10) business days" for the president to provide members. This procedural change directly affects the president of the conference when scheduling meetings at will, as defined in Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 8-7-304 and 9-4-101. The bill does not alter the conference's duties or substantive functions, only the timing calculation for meeting notices. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and is currently pending in the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee.

Maddy summarySB 2470 transfers oversight of the Board of Boiler Rules and the Elevator and Amusement Device Safety Board from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to the Department of Commerce and Insurance. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections to update administrative responsibility for these boards without changing their safety standards or regulatory functions. This transfer affects how these boards operate within state government but does not alter the rules they enforce for boiler safety or amusement device operations. The change is administrative, focusing on departmental management rather than policy substance.

Maddy summarySB 1805 increases payments to ambulance service providers participating in Tennessee's TennCare program by raising the reimbursement rate from 67.5% to 110% of Medicare's allowable charges. It directly affects ambulance providers who serve TennCare patients by changing how they are paid for services. The bill also removes the "Ground Ambulance Service Provider Assessment Act" from state law. These changes take effect July 1, 2026, and focus on adjusting payment rates and eliminating a separate assessment requirement.

Maddy summarySB 1911 requires Tennessee's Department of Human Services to apply for federal summer food benefits (SEBT program) each year the program is available. This would provide nutrition assistance to eligible children during summer months when school is not in session. The bill amends state law to mandate annual applications for federal funds through the SEBT program, ensuring continued access to food for qualifying children. It directly affects low-income children in Tennessee who rely on school meal programs during the academic year.