Sen. Janice Bowling

Maddy summarySB 2122 establishes a nine-member Tennessee K-12 nutrition task force to study ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in public school meals. The task force will evaluate how commonly UPFs appear in school breakfasts and lunches, review health data linking UPF consumption to childhood obesity and metabolic issues, and develop recommendations for shifting menus toward whole foods. It must submit a final report with findings and legislative suggestions to the governor and legislature by December 1, 2026. The task force will dissolve on January 31, 2027, after completing its work. This bill directly affects Tennessee’s public K-12 school meal programs and student health outcomes.

Maddy summarySB 1891 extends eligibility for teacher bonuses under the Education Freedom Act of 2025 to local school districts and public charter schools that initially did not receive funding for these bonuses. To qualify, these schools must adopt a required resolution and submit it to the state education department by June 1, 2026. If they meet this deadline, the department must award each teacher employed during the 2024-2025 school year a one-time bonus of at least $2,000. Teachers not employed in a K-12 public school during 2024-2025 are ineligible, and unclaimed bonuses for departing teachers are redistributed to current teachers employed in that year.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee Senate resolution designates the first Thursday in May each year as "National Day of Prayer" for ceremonial observance. It requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging voluntary prayer, meditation, or reflection, while emphasizing respect for religious diversity and the First Amendment. The resolution does not create new laws, obligations, or funding requirements. It aligns with a longstanding federal tradition established by Congress in 1952 and amended in 1988.

Maddy summarySB 2657 proposes a process for Tennessee's legislature to declare federal laws, regulations, or executive orders unconstitutional and nullify them. It requires the General Assembly to formally find that a federal action violates the U.S. Constitution's separation of powers or exceeds federal authority. The bill establishes specific steps for such declarations, including legislative resolutions. This would directly affect how Tennessee interacts with federal government actions it deems overreaching, without altering current federal law.

Maddy summarySB 1029 amends Tennessee's absentee voting rules under the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), directly affecting Tennessee citizens living overseas. It creates new definitions for "civilian overseas voters," "federal-only voters," and "military voters" and requires applicants for absentee ballots to submit specific documentation proving U.S. citizenship and overseas residence. The bill mandates proof like a U.S. passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate for overseas voters, and a foreign lease or property title for overseas residence. These changes aim to align Tennessee's process with federal voting requirements for citizens abroad.

Maddy summarySB 1048 prohibits state governments, political subdivisions, or public officials from declaring lawful businesses or professions "non-essential" or banning them during emergencies through orders, rules, or regulations. It defines "lawful occupation" as any legal business, trade, or profession not already illegal under state law. The bill allows affected individuals or businesses to sue for actual damages or court orders if these restrictions are imposed, with courts awarding legal fees to successful plaintiffs. This law applies to all emergency-related restrictions starting July 1, 2025, and does not apply if an occupation violates existing state or federal law.

Maddy summarySB 2484, the "Tennessee Ballot Access Act," defines "natural born citizen" for candidates seeking federal office in Tennessee. It specifies that a natural born citizen must be born to a U.S. citizen parent (excluding those who gained citizenship through naturalization), aligning with historical interpretations of the U.S. Constitution. The law requires this definition to determine eligibility for federal offices like president or vice president on Tennessee ballots. This bill sets a state standard for ballot access but does not alter federal election requirements.

Maddy summarySB 2479 requires all newly installed public storm drains and culverts (funded by state, municipal, or county entities) built after July 1, 2026, to have safety covers or grates if openings exceed 12 inches in diameter or pose a risk of child entrapment. The bill mandates covers must be durable, secure against removal, and allow proper drainage without blocking water flow. It applies to all public infrastructure projects and requires contractors to include compliance in contracts, with penalties for non-compliance. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and directs the state department to create implementation rules.

Maddy summarySB 1895 allows individuals convicted of DUI involving alcohol or opioids to choose receiving naltrexone injections (paid for by the individual) for 12 months instead of being required to use an ignition interlock device on their vehicle. This option is available at the court's discretion during sentencing for DUI offenses under Tennessee law. The court must include reporting requirements for the naltrexone treatment as a probation condition, and failure to comply could lead to probation revocation. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 55-10-401 and 55-10-409 to implement this alternative sentencing mechanism. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1749 upgrades certain trespass offenses to Class C felonies in Tennessee. It specifically targets situations where a trespasser enters property without permission and encounters the owner using or displaying a firearm in self-defense - this scenario becomes a Class C felony. The bill also changes general criminal trespass to a Class C felony and adds new conditions for aggravated trespass, such as causing fear for others' safety or damaging property barriers. These changes apply to acts occurring on or after July 1, 2026, and directly affect individuals committing trespass under these specific circumstances.