Sen. Janice Bowling

Maddy summarySB 1743 expands wrongful death claims in Tennessee by including unborn children from fertilization (not just in utero) as eligible claimants under the law. It also extends the period for presuming a spouse abandoned their deceased partner from two to three years before they can file a claim. These changes directly affect families seeking wrongful death compensation, particularly in cases involving spouses who may have left the deceased partner for over three years. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 20-5-106 and 63-6-1102, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1032 requires Tennessee state and local government officials (including police, inspectors, and wildlife officers), as well as federal officials working within the state, to obtain a search warrant specifically identifying the person or property to be searched before entering private property. This applies to most searches, but exceptions exist for situations where courts recognize a warrantless search is justified (such as emergencies). Officials who fail to comply without a valid exception face a Class C misdemeanor charge. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and amends multiple sections of Tennessee law governing searches.

Maddy summarySB 1035 requires Tennessee's Administrative Office of the Courts to report to legislative leaders by October 1, 2025, on the number of employers convicted of illegally dismissing employees for jury service. The report will cover all cases from January 1, 1990, through January 1, 2025, under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-16-514 (which prohibits such dismissals as a Class A misdemeanor). This procedural bill does not change existing law but mandates a historical data collection effort. The summary focuses solely on the reporting requirement, not on policy outcomes or advocacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require Tennessee courts to excuse breastfeeding mothers from jury service upon receiving two specific documents: a written request from the mother and a medical statement from a licensed physician confirming breastfeeding. It directly affects breastfeeding mothers who receive jury duty notices, providing a clear exemption process. The bill amends Tennessee's jury service laws (TCA Title 22, Chapters 1 and 2) to add this provision, replacing the current standard for excusing jurors. The policy change creates a defined, medically verified pathway for exemption without altering other jury service requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1745, the "Banning Bostock Act," amends Tennessee's discrimination laws to explicitly exclude protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and gender-related issues from state sex discrimination statutes. The bill prohibits state laws from being interpreted to ban discrimination based on homosexuality, transgender status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender non-conforming behavior. It also prevents courts from applying the Supreme Court's *Bostock v. Clayton County* ruling (which expanded workplace protections for LGBTQ+ people) when interpreting Tennessee's anti-discrimination laws. The law specifically allows sex-segregated facilities (like restrooms and sports teams) and sex-specific dress codes, while removing abortion-related conduct from protected categories under sex discrimination law. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1746 modifies Tennessee law to allow private citizens and organizations to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages without legal repercussions. It explicitly states they are not required to comply with the 14th Amendment or the *Obergefell v. Hodges* ruling regarding same-sex marriage recognition. The bill also prohibits disciplinary action against attorneys who decline to officiate same-sex marriage ceremonies, amending Title 17 (professional responsibility) and Title 36 (marriage laws). The law takes effect July 1, 2026, applying to actions occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summarySB 2121 lowers the minimum age for obtaining an initial school bus driver endorsement in Tennessee from 25 to 23 years old. It directly affects prospective school bus drivers and allows local school boards and public charter school governing bodies to establish additional driver qualification standards focused on student safety and health. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 55-50-302(d) and 49-6-2107 to implement these changes. The law will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 474 prohibits Tennessee healthcare providers from asking patients about firearm ammunition ownership, possession, or access during medical visits. It also bans denying treatment or recording such information unless medically relevant, and requires written notice if an inquiry occurs. Violations carry a $1,000 fine per incident and potential disciplinary action from licensing authorities. The law directly affects most healthcare providers (excluding psychiatrists/psychologists) and protects patients' rights regarding firearm ownership during medical care.

Maddy summarySJR 79 proposes a constitutional amendment in Tennessee to establish parents' inherent right to direct their child's education, including home-based schooling. It prohibits the state or local governments from creating or enforcing laws that restrict this right or impose regulations on home-based education. The amendment also clarifies that accepting public education funding (like scholarships) does not waive this parental right. This would directly affect parents choosing home-based education and school districts administering education policies. If passed, it would amend Tennessee's Constitution to explicitly protect these parental rights.

Maddy summarySB 1039 requires healthcare facilities in Tennessee to obtain clear written and verbal consent before testing pregnant individuals, those under one year postpartum, or newborns for drugs or alcohol. The consent must explain the medical purpose, confidentiality, and potential legal consequences (including possible reporting to child services), while ensuring no coercion. Emergency testing without consent is permitted only if immediate treatment is needed to avoid harm. The bill also prohibits refusing medical care due to a patient's refusal of testing and takes effect July 1, 2025.