Sen. Mark Pody

Maddy summarySB 564 extends the appeal deadline for water and wastewater operators from 60 to 65 days when challenging revocation decisions or civil penalty assessments by the commissioner of environment and conservation. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 68-221-914(b) and related provisions in utility law to implement this change. It directly affects licensed water/wastewater operators who face disciplinary actions from the Board of Certification. This is a procedural adjustment with no new requirements or funding, simply increasing the timeframe for appeals.

Maddy summarySB 2253 establishes a specific process for handling traffic violations committed by autonomous vehicles (self-driving cars) in Tennessee. It requires police to mail violation notices or citations directly to the vehicle's registered owner within 20 business days, rather than issuing them to the vehicle itself. The notice must include the fine amount, allow 30 days for payment (with a possible 30-day extension if a second notice is sent), and specify separate fees for late payment or court costs. This bill directly affects owners of autonomous vehicles and law enforcement officers who must follow this mailing procedure for traffic citations.

Maddy summarySB 2047 changes Tennessee's school accountability process by shifting responsibility for selecting interventions for "priority schools" in tier three of the progressive tiered intervention system from the Department of Education to the State Board of Education. Under this bill, the Department must recommend intervention options to the State Board, which then selects and notifies the school of the chosen intervention. This directly affects Tennessee public schools identified as needing the highest level of support under the state's accountability system. The bill takes effect July 1, 2027, altering the current process where the Department made the final selection.

Maddy summarySB 837 defines key legal terms in Tennessee law to clarify statutory interpretation. It specifies that "person," "human being," "life," and "natural person" include biological humans (including the unborn from fertilization) but explicitly exclude artificial intelligence, algorithms, software, hardware, and machines. These definitions amend Tennessee Code Annotated Title 1, Section 1-3-105(a), to prevent legal personhood for technology. The bill does not create new regulations but ensures these terms are interpreted consistently in existing laws. It affects how Tennessee statutes apply to human vs. machine entities in legal contexts.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 1045 formally commends D.T. McCall & Sons, a furniture and appliance retailer in Middle Tennessee, for over a century of service to the community. The resolution highlights the business's history, starting in 1896, and details how four generations of the McCall family built the company through innovative sourcing and customer-focused practices. This legislative act serves as a public recognition of the business's contributions and does not create any new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution honors Liz Reese for her work as executive director of Brooks House, a facility in Lebanon that provides housing and support to women and children. The measure formally commends her leadership since 2007 and acknowledges her community service, including board roles with the Lebanon Housing Authority and University Medical Center. It recognizes her receipt of various awards for humanitarian efforts, such as aiding Hurricane Katrina victims, but does not create new laws or alter existing policies. The final action is the presentation of a signed copy of the resolution to Ms. Reese as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution honoring Melanie McDearman Minter on the occasion of her retirement. It recognizes her fifteen years of service as President and CEO of the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce. The resolution formally commends her contributions to the local business community and expresses well wishes for her future endeavors. No policy changes or new laws are enacted by this measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors William M. "Bill" Grady for his leadership as President of the Mt. Juliet Breakfast Rotary Club. It formally recognizes his contributions to community service, his military and legal career, and his professional achievements in real estate. The resolution does not change any laws or policies but serves as a public commendation of his civic engagement.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally commends Courtney Powell for her exemplary service as a legislative intern for Senator Mark Pody. The resolution recognizes Powell's professionalism, academic achievements, and dedication to her studies in criminal justice and homeland security while highlighting her passion for combating human trafficking. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of her contributions to the 2026 legislative session. The resolution will be presented to Powell as a ceremonial document honoring her work and expressing good wishes for her future endeavors.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally honors and commends Love's Way Church in Lebanon, Tennessee, for the grand opening of its new church facility. The resolution recognizes the congregation's history of growth from its founding in 2005 to its current expansion, acknowledging the leadership of founders Bob and Peggy Evans and senior pastor Johan McGregor. It expresses appreciation for the church's service to the community and wishes the congregation continued success as they celebrate their new location on May 3, 2026.