Sen. Mark Pody

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally honors and commends Kehilla Upper School of Nashville for its contributions to education and community development. The resolution recognizes the school for filling a gap in local Jewish education by providing a continuous educational pathway from elementary through high school in Nashville. It acknowledges the institution's role in offering rigorous college-preparatory academics alongside faith-based learning for students in grades seven through twelve. This measure is a ceremonial recognition with no changes to laws, budgets, or public policy, serving only to publicly acknowledge the school's achievements.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors the Watertown High School Band and its director for hosting the 3rd Annual Tennessee Small Band Association State Championship, while also recognizing other participating bands and directors from the event. It formally acknowledges the Tennessee Small Band Association, which was created in 2022 to provide state championship opportunities for public schools with fewer than 500 students and bands with 30 or fewer instruments. The resolution congratulates the winning bands and soloist from the 2025 championship and extends best wishes for their future endeavors.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors Parker Belle Hayes, a 2026 graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, by formally recognizing her academic and community achievements. The resolution acknowledges her completion of a Bachelor of Arts degree in just two years and nine months, her leadership roles in the Phi Mu sorority, and her volunteer work at Dolly Parton Children's Hospital. It also notes her entrepreneurial success by mentioning her boutique sewing business, Stitched by PB. The measure serves as a commemorative gesture from the Tennessee General Assembly rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySB 2254 exempts the retail sale of fresh fruits and vegetables for human consumption from Tennessee's 4% food retail sales tax, effective July 1, 2026. This change directly affects grocery stores, farmers' markets, and other retailers selling fresh produce, as they will no longer collect sales tax on these items. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 67-6-228 to create this specific exemption under the tax code. It does not alter taxes on other food items or ingredients, which remain subject to the standard 4% rate.

Maddy summarySB 261 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction, in collaboration with the Inmate Disciplinary Oversight Board, to create an annual report tracking the number of inmates who earned sentence reduction credits under state law. The report must detail these credits and be submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee and the relevant House committee. This bill directly affects the Department of Correction and the oversight board by mandating transparency about how sentence credits are applied to inmates. It does not change sentencing laws but adds a reporting requirement to improve legislative oversight of correctional practices. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 41-21-236 and related titles to implement this reporting obligation.

Maddy summarySB 735 requires state agencies to pay fair market value for the removal or acquisition of lawfully erected outdoor advertising devices (like billboards), rather than allowing payments to be spread out over time (amortization). It directly affects owners of these advertising structures and the state commissioner responsible for managing highway-related property. The bill mandates full compensation for removal costs and device value when relocation isn't offered, and explicitly prohibits using amortization as a payment method. This change applies to situations where devices must be removed under existing laws, such as those related to highway safety or federal regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally recognizes and honors Debbie Stephens for her years of dedicated service as a legislative assistant to the Tennessee General Assembly. The resolution highlights her long tenure, beginning in 2011, and her contributions to various legislative committees, particularly her current role as an assistant to Senator Dawn White. It also acknowledges her personal achievements and community involvement, including her work with local chambers of commerce and her small business, but these details serve to illustrate her character rather than create new policy. The bill does not establish any new laws or regulations; instead, it serves as a ceremonial tribute to an individual employee of the state legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally honors and congratulates Heather Day Barber for being crowned 2025 Ms. Wilson County Fair. The resolution recognizes her contributions as a hairstylist, entrepreneur, and community leader, highlighting her business Day Dreaming Designs and her dedication to helping women feel confident and empowered. It serves as an official acknowledgment of her achievements and extends best wishes for her future success. The document is ceremonial in nature and does not create any new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally honors and recognizes Callie Drennon, a student from Liberty University Online Academy. It acknowledges her academic achievements, including graduating a year early, as well as her extracurricular accomplishments such as being crowned Fairest of the Fair at the 2025 Wilson County Tennessee State Fair and her work as an assistant hair and makeup artist. The resolution expresses commendation for her personal and professional successes and extends best wishes for her future. No new laws or policies are created by this measure, as it serves only as a ceremonial tribute to an individual student.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors Master Sergeant Roderick "Roddie" W. Edmonds, a World War II veteran from Tennessee who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. It formally recognizes his heroic leadership as a prisoner of war during the Battle of the Bulge, when he protected over 200 Jewish-American soldiers by refusing to identify them to German guards. The resolution commends his moral courage and selfless devotion to duty, which saved lives and upheld military traditions. This legislative action serves as a memorial tribute rather than establishing new laws or policies.