Sen. Mark Pody

Maddy summarySB 1962 sets a maximum hardwater level of 180 mg/L (measured as calcium carbonate) for public water systems in Tennessee. It requires systems receiving state funds for major upgrades (costing $25,000+) after July 1, 2026, to comply with this standard upon completion. Systems not using state funds for such upgrades are exempt until they later qualify for state-funded projects. Temporary exemptions for seasonal runoff (like snowmelt) are allowed with documentation and a 90-day return-to-compliance deadline, but cannot exceed 120 days yearly without department approval. All affected systems must monitor and report hardwater levels as part of annual water quality reports.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally recognizes Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Tennessee for its 225th anniversary. The resolution honors the church's long history of community service and faith, noting its founding in 1801 in the Mt. Juliet area. It directs the state to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to the church upon request. The measure does not change laws or policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of the church's historical and ongoing contributions to the community.

Maddy summarySB 568 prohibits the sale, distribution, and importation of cell-cultured food products (lab-grown meat or seafood produced without animal slaughter) within Tennessee. It directly affects food businesses, importers, and distributors handling these products. Key provisions include a $1 million fine for violations, potential revocation of food establishment permits, and a process for the commissioner to issue stop-sale orders after a hearing. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution honors the memory of Richard "Pierce" Dodson, a public servant and pastor from Wilson County who passed away. The bill formally acknowledges his contributions to ministry, education, and community service throughout his life. It expresses the General Assembly's sympathy to his family and friends while authorizing the presentation of a copy of the resolution to the Dodson family. The document serves as a commemorative tribute rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution congratulates Donna Highers of Lebanon on her induction into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame. The bill formally recognizes her forty years of service as a lead aviation instructor who has trained thousands of students for FAA licensure. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official state acknowledgment of her professional achievements and contributions to the aviation industry. The resolution is a ceremonial document intended to honor Highers' distinguished career and public service.

Maddy summarySJR 836 is a Tennessee Senate resolution that commends the Nehemiah Alliance for launching its National 52 Day Rebuild Initiative, which calls for a 52-day period of prayer, fasting, and repentance from September 10 to November 1, 2026. It specifically encourages all Tennesseans to participate in this initiative and acknowledges the state's existing leadership in promoting similar observances (including a 30-day annual prayer and fasting period in July). The resolution does not create new laws but formally recognizes the initiative's spiritual and cultural goals, referencing biblical inspiration and Tennessee's role in inspiring this national effort.

Maddy summarySB 2305 requires Tennessee's Department of Veterans Services to create and submit a comprehensive report by January 1, 2027. The report must list all state and federal benefits available to veterans and their surviving spouses, including a summary of each benefit. This report will be sent to the Senate and House speakers. The bill directly affects veterans and their families by providing a clear, centralized resource on available benefits. It does not change existing benefits but mandates a formal inventory for legislative review.

Maddy summarySJR 861 is a memorial resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Benjamin Yager Bowman, a Nashville public servant and founder of For The Veteran. The resolution recognizes Bowman's work supporting veterans, his partnership with Destiny Rescue in combating child trafficking, and his community leadership as a Christian men's group founder. It extends condolences to his family and commemorates his life of service, without enacting any new laws or policies. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Senate and House on March 5, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (SJR 871), not a substantive bill. It honors Jayden Bailey, a Lebanon High School student from Wilson County who passed away after a cancer battle, by expressing the General Assembly's condolences to his family. The resolution describes Bailey as a beloved basketball player known for his positivity and courage during his illness. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as memorial resolutions are symbolic gestures of respect.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the memory of Jeffery Alan Hartline, a resident of Lebanon, Tennessee, who passed away after a life dedicated to public service, education, and community involvement. The resolution acknowledges his roles as a church leader, teacher, baseball coach, and political activist, and expresses condolences to his family. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal tribute to recognize his contributions and legacy.