Sen. Mark Pody

Maddy summarySB 257 allows Tennessee local school districts and public charter schools to hire retired law enforcement officers (from federal, state, or local agencies) or honorably discharged U.S. military veterans as school resource officers (SROs) on school grounds. It requires school boards to adopt written policies outlining SRO duties, authority limits, and compliance with student privacy laws like FERPA. The bill also mandates that these SROs complete 40 hours of approved school policing training (at their own expense) and carry firearms on school premises per existing rules. This expands the pool of eligible SROs beyond current law enforcement officers while adding specific training and policy requirements. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 153 allows nonrecognized minor parties in Tennessee that previously notified the election coordinator of their intent to nominate candidates via primary election to withdraw that request. Specifically, party officers can now submit written notice to rescind their nomination plan at least 90 days before the qualifying deadline. This amendment corrects a procedural gap in election law, making it clearer how parties can change their nomination method after initially committing to primary elections. The bill directly affects minor parties seeking recognition under Tennessee's election rules.

Maddy summarySB 151 requires all Tennessee public schools and charter schools to display the Ten Commandments, the first sentence of the Declaration of Independence's preamble, and the U.S. Constitution's preamble together in a prominent location (like entryways or cafeterias) starting with the 2025-2026 school year. It mandates these displays use at least 26-point font for readability and specifies they must be placed where students will see them. The bill directly affects every local school board and public charter school governing body in Tennessee. This policy change applies to all public schools in the state, with no exemptions or additional funding requirements specified.

Maddy summarySB 149 shortens the timeframe for state agencies to conduct building inspections. It changes the requirement from 10 business days to 10 calendar days for the state fire marshal or other agencies to inspect new construction or renovations. This affects builders, contractors, and state agencies responsible for building permits and safety compliance. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections related to permitting (Titles 5, 7, 13, 68, and 69) to implement this change.

Maddy summarySB 154 extends Davidson County's existing $0.50 hotel occupancy tax for an additional 12 years, moving the expiration date from 2020 to 2032. The bill allows the county to continue using revenue from this tax to directly promote tourism. It also extends the terms of the committee overseeing the tourism promotion fund by 12 years. The legislation modifies state law (TCA Section 7-4-202) to maintain these provisions without creating new taxes or altering the tax rate.

Maddy summarySB 148 excludes cell-cultured food products (like lab-grown meat) from the legal definitions of "meat" and "poultry" under Tennessee law. It prohibits public schools, charter schools, and colleges from serving these products in school nutrition programs or food services for students. The bill defines cell-cultured food as products made without slaughter using animal cells in controlled environments, and includes a sunset clause ending the ban on July 1, 2035. This directly affects school food providers but does not restrict commercial sales of such products outside educational settings.

Maddy summarySB 22 requires that travel expenses for members of Tennessee's inmate disciplinary oversight board be reimbursed according to the state's standard travel regulations. These regulations, established by the Department of Finance and Administration and approved by the Attorney General and Reporter, must now govern all board-related travel costs. The bill directly affects board members and employees who travel for oversight duties by standardizing reimbursement procedures. This change ensures consistency with how other state employees handle travel expenses, without altering substantive oversight policies.

Maddy summarySB 21 declares that international organizations like the World Health Organization, United Nations, and World Economic Forum have no legal authority within Tennessee. It prohibits Tennessee state agencies and local governments from following or enforcing federal laws or rules based on these international groups' guidelines, unless specifically allowed by Tennessee state law. The bill also explicitly bans state entities from adopting any recommendations from such organizations without prior state legislative authorization. This applies broadly across Tennessee’s legal codes, affecting how state agencies implement policies related to public health, safety, and other areas. The law aims to assert state sovereignty by preventing reliance on international policy frameworks without direct state approval.

Maddy summarySB 29 increases penalties for civil rights intimidation in Tennessee by elevating the offense from a Class D felony to a Class C felony under two specific circumstances: if the victim is a minor (under 18) or if the defendant targeted the victim specifically because they are a religious leader (e.g., minister, rabbi, or ordained spiritual figure) recognized by their faith community. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-309 to create this higher penalty tier while keeping other violations as Class A misdemeanors. It directly affects individuals committing such intimidation against minors or religious leaders, and the law will take effect on July 1, 2025. The change focuses solely on the severity of punishment for these targeted offenses, without altering other aspects of the law.

Maddy summarySB 25 clarifies that parents, legal guardians, or custodians can access all health and medical records of their unemancipated children, including records from treatments provided without parental consent (such as certain reproductive health services). It also allows school staff to provide basic first aid - like bandages, gauze, or ice packs - for minor cuts, scrapes, or bumps without parental permission. The bill directly affects parents, schools, healthcare providers, and minors by standardizing record access and expanding school staff’s authority for minor injuries. These changes update existing Tennessee law to ensure consistent access to health information and streamline school health responses.