Maddy summarySB 1748 requires Tennessee enforcement officers to issue out-of-service orders for commercial drivers who cannot read or speak English sufficiently to understand traffic signs, respond to officials, or complete required records - meeting federal 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2) standards. It directly affects commercial drivers and their employers, who face a $500 fine per violation (classified as a Class C misdemeanor) if a driver fails the English proficiency requirement during a safety inspection. Drivers must pass a state-administered English test to regain their license, with employers liable for associated fines. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections 55-50-403, 55-50-405, and 65-15-111 to implement these requirements, effective January 1, 2027.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Southern Cumberland Plateau Regional Water and Wastewater Authority, a new public entity designed to manage water and wastewater systems in Grundy County and surrounding areas. The Authority will have the power to plan, build, operate, and maintain facilities for water supply, sewage treatment, and recycling, while also selling water and providing environmental services. Governance of the Authority is structured to include representatives from Grundy County, the towns of Monteagle and Tracy City, and two specific utility districts, ensuring local input on decisions. The legislation allows the Authority to issue bonds to fund these projects and includes provisions for adding new member municipalities in the future.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to require the City of Tullahoma to dedicate 3.8 percent of its annual operating budget, with a minimum of $1.5 million, to street and road maintenance starting in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The funding mechanism is established by amending state law and includes a severability clause to ensure remaining provisions stay in effect if any part is ruled invalid. Crucially, the bill will only take effect if the City of Tullahoma's legislative body approves it with a two-thirds vote, giving local officials the final say on whether to adopt this spending requirement.
Maddy summarySB 2707 amends Winchester's utility governance by expanding the Board of Public Utilities to include wastewater treatment systems and requiring the mayor to serve as a permanent board member during their term. It establishes four-year terms for the other four board members (with rotating expirations), mandates City Council approval for appointments, and requires the City Council to review and approve utility rates and annual budgets. These changes directly affect Winchester residents through the city's utility services, as the board now oversees water, wastewater, electricity, and other public utilities. The bill also clarifies that utility revenues must cover operational costs, debt, and infrastructure needs, with any surplus deposited into the city's general fund.
Maddy summarySB 1747 creates a new Class A misdemeanor offense for recklessly firing a firearm into the air, ground, water, or nearby objects at public events with 25 or more people present. It directly affects individuals who engage in such reckless discharges in crowded public settings, such as concerts or festivals. Key exceptions include law enforcement officers acting in duty, wildlife officers, licensed hunters during open seasons, and defensive use against animal attacks. The law, effective July 1, 2026, aims to address public safety risks from negligent firearm discharge in crowded areas.
Maddy summarySB 468, the "Women's Safety and Protection Act," defines "female" and "male" biologically (based on reproductive systems at birth) for state law applications. It requires Tennessee state agencies to maintain separate facilities and accommodations for biological females in correctional facilities, juvenile detention centers, domestic violence shelters, restrooms, and dormitories to protect safety and privacy. The bill mandates that biological sex - not gender identity - determines eligibility for these spaces, prohibiting agencies from banning such distinctions in settings where safety or privacy is a concern. It applies directly to women, girls, and facilities serving them, with specific provisions for restrooms, sleeping quarters, and shelter access. The law overrides conflicting state laws to enforce these biological sex-based definitions.
Maddy summarySB 2481 changes the timeframe for county boards to notify applicants about licenses for adult-oriented establishments. It replaces "ten (10) days" with "ten (10) business days" in Tennessee Code Annotated § 7-51-1107(b), requiring boards to issue decisions within 10 business days after receiving investigation results. This directly affects applicants seeking licenses for adult-oriented businesses and county boards responsible for processing these applications. The bill makes a procedural adjustment to clarify that the deadline excludes weekends and holidays.
Maddy summarySB 2566, the "Tennessee Anti-Grooming Act," criminalizes an adult’s behavior intended to build trust or control with a minor (under 18) or a mentally compromised individual (e.g., someone with autism, Down syndrome, or severe anxiety) for sexual purposes. It defines "grooming" as online or in-person communication meant to lure, prepare, or facilitate sexual contact or exploitation. Penalties range from a Class E felony (standard) to a Class A felony if the victim is under 13, with harsher penalties for prior sex offenses or positions of trust. The law supplements existing child protection statutes but does not replace them, taking effect July 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 1890 requires Tennessee public schools and charter schools to teach age- and grade-appropriate lessons about the history of communism. The bill mandates instruction covering domestic communist movements in the U.S., atrocities under communist regimes abroad, comparisons between communism and democratic principles, historical threats of communism (including the Cultural Revolution), and communist policies in Cuba and Latin America. The Tennessee Department of Education must develop guidance for schools, potentially consulting victims of communism or relevant organizations. This policy directly affects all K-12 public schools in Tennessee, applying to the 2026-2027 school year and beyond.
Maddy summarySB 2483 establishes staffing requirements for Tennessee's local veterans service offices. It creates two new roles: "county veterans service officers" (CVSOs, for veterans) and "county veterans service representatives" (CVSRs, for non-veterans), requiring each office to have at least one CVSO. The bill mandates that all CVSOs and CVSRs must obtain federal accreditation within six months of appointment, with removal if unaccredited, and sets minimum salary rates, hiring preferences for veterans (especially combat veterans), and state funding for training and staffing. These changes directly affect local governments operating veterans offices and their staff, ensuring standardized support for veterans accessing benefits.