Sen. Mark Pody

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 597) honoring Beverly Bell, founder and director of Optimum Hope! in Lebanon, Tennessee. It recognizes her work establishing a nonprofit wellness program specifically for Parkinson's disease patients, which now serves over 65 participants. The resolution formally commends her for dedicating her career and volunteer efforts to improving care for Tennesseans with Parkinson's, without creating any new laws or funding. It is purely symbolic recognition, not a policy change.

Maddy summarySB 2319 requires all Tennessee public libraries (operated by counties, cities, or towns) to adopt a formal process allowing any legal resident of the library’s county to request the removal, relocation, or reclassification of library materials. The policy mandates that libraries use a standardized application form, respond within 90 days (with options to keep items, move them, remove them, or delay action), and make final decisions binding for up to 30 months. It covers all library materials, including physical books, e-books, audio items, and games, and includes safeguards like limiting requests to one item per form and requiring residency verification. The law takes effect July 1, 2027, and does not apply to items borrowed via interlibrary loan.

Maddy summarySB 2306 creates a new registration pathway for individuals who provide *only* makeup application services (e.g., for events, photography, or personal use), exempting them from requiring a full cosmetology or aesthetician license. To use this exemption, individuals must complete 8 hours of approved health/hygiene training, register biennially with the state department for a $30 fee, and display a notice stating they are not state-licensed. The bill prohibits them from using terms like "licensed cosmetologist" unless they hold the full license, and restricts them from offering additional services like eyelash placement without proper certification. This policy change directly affects freelance makeup artists, salons, and event professionals who exclusively perform makeup application.

Maddy summarySB 2309 requires Tennessee's Comptroller's Office to send an annual report on standardized test results for students using education freedom scholarships (a school choice program) to the legislative librarian. The bill amends state law to add this reporting requirement, ensuring legislators receive data on scholarship recipients' academic performance. It directly affects students participating in the education freedom scholarship program and the Comptroller's Office, which must now include this report in its annual submission. The key mechanism is mandating the legislative librarian receive these test results, increasing transparency for lawmakers about scholarship program outcomes.

Maddy summarySB 2303 makes it a Class A misdemeanor to knowingly inhale, ingest, use, or possess nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") or amyl nitrite ("poppers") for non-exempt purposes. The law directly affects individuals who use these substances recreationally and businesses selling them, with penalties including fines and possible probation requiring drug rehabilitation. Exceptions exist for medical use (prescribed by a practitioner), industrial manufacturing, food service (as a propellant), and automotive uses, but flavored products or labeled containers create a legal presumption against these exceptions. The bill also imposes license suspensions for 30 days on businesses violating the law and revocation for repeat offenses, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2148, the "Responsible Welding for Tennesseans' Safety Act," requires general contractors, project managers, and subcontractors to ensure welders performing structural steel welding are certified by an accredited facility or individual when a design professional specifies D1.1 or D1.5 welding standards in project plans. This applies to most construction projects involving structural steel but excludes work done on a homeowner's or farmer's property. The law mandates that welding must meet safety standards defined by the American Welding Society (AWS) as outlined in the D1.1 (structural steel) and D1.5 (bridge) codes. The requirement takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySJR 545 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Ray Daniel upon his retirement after nearly two decades as owner/operator of Chick-fil-A Providence Marketplace in Mt. Juliet. It recognizes his community service, including support for the Mt. Juliet Fire Department, Wilson County Schools, and events like Kids Nights and holiday gatherings at his restaurant. The resolution expresses the legislature's appreciation for his dedication to family, community, and business excellence. As a non-binding memorial, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySJR 546 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Tim Rausch upon his retirement from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). It recognizes his 40+ years of service, including his role as Executive Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer, and highlights his leadership in nuclear plant upgrades that increased power generation for 280,000 homes. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly’s gratitude for his contributions to TVA’s safety, operational excellence, and community commitment. As a non-binding tribute, it has no policy impact and directly affects only Tim Rausch and the legislative body issuing the recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJR 549) is a symbolic gesture by the Tennessee General Assembly to formally honor the economic and cultural partnership between Tennessee and the Province of Quebec. It recognizes their shared history as founding members of the Southeastern U.S.-Canadian Provinces alliance, Quebec's status as Tennessee's largest Southeastern trading partner (with nearly $3 billion in trade up to 2022), and complementary strengths in sectors like aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it solely expresses legislative support for this relationship through a formal statement of recognition. It passed unanimously in both chambers on January 22, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 550), not a policy bill. It formally honors R. Larry Smith of Knox County for his decades of community service and public leadership in Tennessee. The resolution recognizes his career as a wildlife agency professional, insurance industry leader, Knox County Commissioner, and volunteer work with organizations like the Boy Scouts and American Red Cross. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is solely a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly.