Sen. Mark Pody

Maddy summarySB 1115 (Tennessee) requires the Department of Correction to reduce inmate populations by 10% at privately operated correctional facilities if their death rate exceeds twice that of a comparable state-run facility. This applies to facilities under contract with the state or county for holding state inmates. The bill also mandates that required facility reports be posted on the Department of Correction website. It amends Tennessee Code sections related to correctional services (Titles 8, 12, 40, 41) and took effect May 9, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 30 creates new misdemeanor offenses in Tennessee, primarily targeting individuals who intentionally provide false names to law enforcement during lawful detention or arrest (Section 4). It also prohibits transporting people in the enclosed cargo area of box trucks (defined as vehicles without passenger seats/safety belts) and restricts approaching within 25 feet of officers performing duties after being ordered to stop (Sections 5-6). Additionally, the bill bans unauthorized signage on bridges/highways without maintenance entity permission (Section 7) and amends procedures for police citations (Sections 8-9). These changes directly affect people detained by police, drivers using box trucks for passengers, and individuals placing signage on public infrastructure. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 26 amends Tennessee law to raise the minimum required capital cost for infrastructure development districts from $500,000 to $1,000,000. This change directly affects developers and local governments creating such districts by requiring larger initial investment commitments. The bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated Section 7-84-711(a) to reflect this increased threshold. It became effective May 5, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 1444 changes how Wilson County's Tenth Special School District is governed. It replaces the current three-member board with a five-member Board of Education, divides the district into five equal-population voting districts, and establishes staggered four-year terms for board members (with odd- and even-numbered districts electing members at different times). The bill requires new district boundaries to be submitted to the Wilson County Election Commission by September 1, 2025, and sets residency and age requirements for candidates. This directly affects Wilson County voters who will elect board members from their specific districts, and the district's governance structure will shift from the current system to this new model. The bill requires Wilson County's legislative body to approve it by a two-thirds vote before taking effect.

Maddy summarySJR 503 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Elizabeth Elgin as Mt. Juliet Elementary School's 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. It formally recognizes her 27 years of teaching service, dedication to students, and professional achievements at the school. The resolution has no policy provisions or legal effect - it solely expresses the Tennessee General Assembly’s commendation. It directly affects Elizabeth Elgin by publicly acknowledging her educational contributions.

Maddy summarySJR 505 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Brittney Osburne, the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year at Mt. Juliet Middle School in Tennessee. It formally commends her 11-year career as an RTI teacher and her dedication to students, recognizing her professional achievements and service. The resolution has no policy impact - it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation with no funding, regulations, or changes to laws. It was approved by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on May 7, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 502 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Erin Clark, a Pre-K-3 teacher at Mt. Juliet Christian Academy, for being named the school's 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. It formally recognizes her seven-year career, educational background, and dedication to students through a resolution passed by both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor. This resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves as a symbolic tribute with no financial, regulatory, or operational changes.

Maddy summarySJR 504 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Sergeant Major Jonathan W. Clark, a Marine Corps JROTC instructor at Mt. Juliet High School, for being named the school's 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. It publicly commends his six years of service, dedication to education, and role as an inspiration to students and colleagues. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new policies or affect any laws, but formally recognizes his professional achievement through official legislative commendation. The resolution was passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor on May 7, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 507 is a resolution honoring Charisse Carter, a K-5th grade ESL teacher at Springdale Elementary School in Wilson County, as the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year for both her school and Wilson County Schools. It recognizes her decade-long career, advanced degrees, and dedication to student education without creating new laws or policies. The resolution was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor on May 7, 2025, as a formal expression of commendation. This procedural resolution directly affects no one beyond acknowledging Carter’s professional achievements.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 500) formally recognizing Melissa Cole, a third-grade math and science teacher at Lakeview Elementary School, for being named the 2024-2025 Lakeview Elementary School Teacher of the Year. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it solely honors her 14-year career, teaching excellence, and dedication to students. The resolution was passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on May 7, 2025.