Sen. Mark Pody

Maddy summarySB 1766 amends Tennessee's infrastructure development district laws to clarify procedures for establishment and management. It updates public hearing requirements for district approval (requiring joint hearings when multiple municipalities are involved), sets a 30-year maximum term for infrastructure bonds (allowing phased issuance per project phase), and permits districts to allocate special assessments toward administrative costs like property tax collection. The bill also revises dissolution rules, requiring districts to end no later than 30 years after the last special tax is levied, rather than from the district's start date. These changes directly affect municipalities creating or operating infrastructure districts for public improvement projects.

Maddy summarySB 1960 requires Tennessee public schools and charter schools to designate one instructional day each school year for K-12 students to learn about the U.S. founding. It mandates age-appropriate lessons on the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, American independence, and core freedoms, with specific grade-level objectives (e.g., identifying symbols for K-5, analyzing founding documents for grades 9-12). Schools must ensure the instruction is nonpartisan, aligned with state academic standards, and focused solely on historical facts and civic principles. The law applies starting the 2026-2027 school year and affects all local education agencies and public charter schools in Tennessee.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee bill (SB 259) clarifies that parents, legal guardians, or custodians can access all health and medical records of unemancipated minors - including records from treatments provided without parental consent. It also permits school staff to provide basic first aid (bandages, gauze, or ice packs) for minor cuts, scrapes, or bumps. The law affects parents, schools, and healthcare providers by expanding access to minors' health records and defining school staff's limited medical authority. It amends Tennessee codes related to healthcare, education, and minor treatment (Titles 33, 36, 37, 49, 63, and 68).

Maddy summarySB 303 would allow Tennessee public schools and charter schools to display specific historical documents - such as the Ten Commandments, Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Tennessee Constitution, Bill of Rights, or school history resolutions - in prominent locations like entryways or cafeterias. It requires these displays to be in hard copy (e.g., posters) and lets school boards decide placement and size. The bill aims to educate students on "historical significance and common cultural heritage" as stated in its text. It directly affects all Tennessee public school districts and charter schools.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a joint resolution that formally honors Ellen Irlene Mandrell as a gifted entertainer and public servant in the State of Tennessee. The resolution recognizes her extensive career achievements, including her work with the Mandrell Sisters, performances on shows like Hee Haw, and her contributions to country music and faith-based media. It specifically highlights her long-standing charitable efforts in Sumner County, such as her involvement with Holiday Fest and support for veterans and first responders. The bill does not create new laws or alter government operations; instead, it serves as an official statement of appreciation for her lifetime of service to the community and the state.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a joint resolution that formally honors R. Larry Smith of Knox County for his decades of public service and community leadership. The document details his extensive career, which includes roles as a hunter safety instructor, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and a long-time leader in the insurance industry. It also recognizes his involvement with numerous local organizations and his contributions to causes such as cancer research, disaster relief, and youth development. Ultimately, the resolution serves as an official commendation from the Tennessee General Assembly rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution honors MJ Lucas, a radio professional from Wilson County, Tennessee, for her forty-year career in broadcasting. The bill formally recognizes her contributions to local radio stations WANT FM and WCOR AM, where she served as a morning host and created popular community programs like the Birthday Club and Adopt-A-Pet. It also acknowledges her off-air volunteer work supporting local organizations and child abuse survivors. The resolution is a commemorative document intended to present Lucas with official recognition of her achievements and community service.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution that formally honors Trooper William Bennett of the Tennessee Highway Patrol as he retires after thirty years of service. The document outlines his extensive background, including his military service, education, and specific acts of bravery while protecting members of the state legislature. It does not create new laws or change any policies but serves solely to commend his dedication and express appreciation for his contributions to public safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Tennessee local school boards to open their public meetings with a prayer led by a board member, provided no attendee is required to participate and no one is harassed or coerced into joining. It directly affects all local school boards in Tennessee by changing their meeting procedures. The key provision requires that any opening prayer remain voluntary and non-coercive, aligning with recent Supreme Court rulings on religious expression in public settings. The law would take effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1956 requires Tennessee's Secretary of State to compile and publish a report using existing resources on the number of nonprofit corporate registrations revoked for legal violations over the past three calendar years. The report must be transmitted to the Senate and House chief clerks and the legislative librarian by December 31, 2026, and may be shared electronically. This bill does not change existing laws about revoking registrations but creates a new reporting requirement for the Secretary of State's office to provide transparency to the legislature.