Sen. Mark Pody

Maddy summarySB 563 corrects a reference in Tennessee's charitable solicitation law regarding exemptions for educational institutions. It changes the required approving body from "the state board of education" to "the Tennessee public charter school commission" for schools seeking exemption from registration requirements when conducting charitable fundraising. This procedural bill directly affects public charter schools and other educational institutions that rely on this exemption. The amendment took effect on April 24, 2025, after being signed into law by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 258 clarifies that facilities installing only water softening devices (for hard water) do not become public water systems under Tennessee law, even if the device causes them to meet the definition. It specifically excludes such softening systems from public water system requirements, meaning these facilities are not required to monitor water quality unless they otherwise qualify as a public water system. If a softening system causes a facility to meet the public water system definition, it must monitor hardness, alkalinity, pH quarterly and sodium annually, reporting results to the Department of Environment and Conservation within 15 days of each quarter. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 68 and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 366), not a bill with policy changes. It formally honors Brother Ronnie Smith for his 40+ years of service as a Baptist minister and educator in Tennessee. The resolution recognizes his work as a pastor at multiple churches, his career teaching history and Spanish, and his community service. It was unanimously passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on April 24, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 364 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the Tennessee Small Band Association's (TSBA) second annual state championship for public schools with small marching bands (30 or fewer members). It specifically honors the championship winners, organizers, and participating schools - such as Hollow Rock-Bruceton High School (state champion), and band directors like Keith Breeden and Scott Corley - without creating new laws or policies. The resolution has no binding effect and serves solely as a symbolic tribute to the event and its organizers.

Maddy summarySJR 373 is a formal resolution recognizing Hurricane Baptist Church in Wilson County, Tennessee, on the occasion of its 210th anniversary. It honors the church's founding in 1815, its historical significance to the community, and its ongoing service through its congregation and pastors. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on individuals, as it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation. It was enacted after passing both chambers and receiving the Governor's signature on April 24, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 2 is a symbolic resolution expressing Tennessee's support for Israel. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies; instead, it formally declares the state's "unequivocal support" for Israel through four "WHEREAS" statements highlighting historical U.S.-Israel ties, military cooperation, and shared counterterrorism efforts. The resolution's key action is directing that an enrolled copy be sent to the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., for transmission to Israeli authorities. As a non-binding statement, it has no legal effect or direct impact on constituents, government programs, or Israel's status.

Maddy summarySJR 345 is a commemorative resolution honoring George McDonald for his 45+ year career in Tennessee agriculture. It formally recognizes his achievements as a farmer, including multiple awards like Tennessee Sunbelt Outstanding Farmer, his service on agricultural advisory boards, and his family's century-old farm. The resolution was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor, but it has no legal effect - it serves solely as a ceremonial tribute to McDonald's contributions to farming and his community. This non-binding gesture directly affects McDonald alone, celebrating his personal accomplishments without creating any policy changes.

Maddy summarySJR 301 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Sergeant Kevin Ragland of the Lebanon Police Department upon his retirement after 22 years in public service, including 17 years with the Lebanon Police Department. It recognizes his career roles (such as K9 officer and hostage negotiator), awards, leadership in the Fraternal Order of Police, and personal dedication. The resolution formally commends his service and wishes him well in retirement. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy impact and was fully enacted (signed by the Governor on April 10, 2025).

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 326) honoring Brian Glenn Wilson for 50 years of service in broadcasting. It formally commends him for his career as a Fox News anchor, host of "The Drive with Brian Wilson" on SuperTalk 99.7 WTN in Nashville, and his work covering major events like 9/11. The resolution has no policy impact - it is a symbolic gesture of recognition with no new laws or requirements. It was passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor on April 10, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SJR 302) honoring Lynn Daugherty for her 43-year career in banking. It formally recognizes her service at Wilson Bank & Trust (including 21 years as a manager), her education from Cumberland University, and her community involvement, including her role as "first lady" at Cornerstone Baptist Church. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly. It directly affects Lynn Daugherty by publicly acknowledging her professional contributions. The resolution was passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor on April 10, 2025.