Sen. Paul Bailey

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution honoring Katy Jo Harrison, a teacher at Jackson County High School, for being named the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. It formally recognizes her professional achievements and expresses appreciation for her dedication to education and her students. The resolution does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves to acknowledge her specific accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution honoring Hailey Dickerson, a middle school teacher in Smith County, Tennessee, for being named the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. The resolution formally recognizes her professional achievements and expresses appreciation for her dedication to education and her impact on students. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of her award. The bill was ultimately withdrawn before becoming official.

Maddy summarySB 1946 updates Tennessee's notary public requirements by requiring the secretary of state to appoint notaries after meeting new standards. It mandates a 6-hour approved training course covering document authentication, identification verification, legal forms, and ethics, plus a written exam on these topics. Applicants must also pass a county commission review for character and fitness before the secretary of state approves their appointment. The bill aims to combat document fraud by strengthening standards for all new and renewing notaries in Tennessee.

Maddy summarySB 994 removes an outdated tax credit provision in Tennessee law that previously allowed businesses to claim credits for beer or ale destroyed in a specific May 2010 flood. The bill deletes Tennessee Code Annotated section 67-4-114, which related to this expired credit for flood-damaged alcoholic beverages. This change affects no current taxpayers, as the credit window (May 1-8, 2010) and the provision itself are obsolete. The bill makes no new policy changes but updates the code to eliminate redundant language. It has been introduced and referred to the Senate committee for further review.

Maddy summarySB 2467 repeals Tennessee’s criminal penalties for carrying firearms in public parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas, and removes the prohibition on firearm possession for individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence or stalking after five years from their conviction date. The bill updates state law to clarify that domestic violence convictions older than five years no longer disqualify someone from owning a firearm, provided their rights haven’t been restored through other means. It also modifies definitions to replace "handgun" with "firearm" in multiple sections and adds exceptions for juveniles possessing rifles/shotguns for specific activities like livestock protection. These changes directly affect people with past domestic violence or stalking convictions, park visitors, and firearm owners navigating state restrictions.

Maddy summarySB 291 extends the deadline for healthcare license applicants or holders facing denial due to a prior criminal conviction to file a court challenge in Davidson County. It changes the timeframe from 30 to 60 business days after receiving a denial notice from a licensing authority. This procedural bill affects individuals seeking or renewing licenses in Tennessee’s healthcare professions (like nurses or doctors) who must challenge denials based on past criminal records. The change applies to cases filed in Davidson County chancery court under Tennessee law.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 702) congratulating Hannah Haley on winning the 2026 Miss Tennessee Fairest of the Fair title. It formally recognizes her achievement as White County's Fairest of the Fair and her victory at the state pageant in Murfreesboro. The resolution, passed unanimously by the Tennessee General Assembly, extends official congratulations and best wishes for her future success. It does not create new laws or policies, but serves as a symbolic tribute to Haley's accomplishment.

Maddy summarySJR 701 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the White County Fair and its board, staff, and volunteers for being named the 2026 "Champion of Champions Fair" by the Tennessee Association of Fairs. It recognizes the fair’s leadership, community involvement, and excellence in promoting local business, agriculture, and Tennessee culture. The resolution has no binding effect - it simply offers formal praise and does not create new laws or policies. It was unanimously passed by both chambers and signed into effect in March 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2460 requires Tennessee's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to include the legislative librarian in its quarterly reports about mental health accommodations. These reports must detail the implementation and impact of available accommodations, including the number and duration of delayed admissions at state-run hospitals and treatment facilities. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee law (Titles 33, 4, 52, 63, and 68) to update reporting requirements. It directly affects the department's reporting process and ensures the legislative librarian receives these reports.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 2 as "School Custodian Day" in Tennessee to recognize the contributions of school custodians. It directly honors custodians who maintain clean, safe school environments for students and staff year-round. The resolution has no policy changes or funding provisions - it is purely a symbolic observance to acknowledge their work. The bill is a commemorative resolution, not a law with operational requirements.