Sen. Mark Pody

Maddy summarySB 2590 changes the annual deadline for private schools participating in Tennessee's education freedom scholarship program (vouchers) to submit student test results. It shortens the reporting date from June 30 to June 15 each year. This requirement applies only to private schools receiving scholarship funds and must be submitted to the Office of Research and Education Accountability. The bill modifies a reporting deadline without changing scholarship eligibility, funding, or testing requirements.

Maddy summarySB 2417, the "Tennessee Kratom Consumer Protection Act," regulates Kratom products to ensure safety and transparency. It prohibits processors and retailers from selling Kratom products containing excessive residual solvents, synthetic alkaloids (like synthetic mitragynine), or more than 2% 7-hydroxymitragynine, and bans products designed to appeal to children (e.g., candy-shaped items). The bill mandates third-party lab testing for contaminants (salmonella, lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury) and requires clear labeling with serving instructions, recommended maximum daily doses, and ingredient disclosures. It directly affects Kratom manufacturers, distributors, and retailers by imposing safety standards and labeling requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits homeowners' associations (HOAs) from banning first responders - such as firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and law enforcement officers - from parking emergency vehicles at their residence or on adjacent roadways. It also prevents HOAs from penalizing or threatening to penalize first responders for such parking. The law applies to all HOA rules, declarations, or regulations adopted or amended on or after July 1, 2026. It ensures first responders can park emergency vehicles without HOA restrictions at their property or nearby public roads.

Maddy summarySB 1764 amends Tennessee law to change the penalty for illegally possessing a telecommunication device (like a cell phone) in a prison or jail. Currently, this offense is classified as a Class E felony but must be punished by a fine only. The bill removes that restriction, allowing standard Class E felony penalties - including potential jail time - to apply. This change directly affects individuals convicted of this offense in Tennessee's penal institutions.

Maddy summarySJR 547 is a memorial resolution honoring Jeffery Alan Hartline, a Lebanon, Tennessee resident and public servant who died. The resolution recognizes his community leadership, church involvement (including roles at Ashwood/Woodmont Hills and College Hills Churches of Christ), family dedication, and service in local politics and education. It does not create legal obligations or policy changes but formally expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's condolences to his family and acknowledges his life of public service. This symbolic gesture was adopted unanimously by the Senate.

Maddy summarySB 1646 protects existing racing facilities and racetracks from nuisance, property, or similar legal claims brought by owners of surrounding properties if the facility was built before the property owner purchased their land or developed in that area. The bill prohibits such claims regardless of when the alleged issue occurred, even if the property owner acquired the land after the facility existed. It also prevents local governments from enacting or enforcing regulations that would restrict or ban racing operations in conflict with this protection. However, the bill does not exempt racing facilities from complying with state or federal environmental, health, or safety laws.

Maddy summarySB 1648 amends Tennessee's infrastructure development district laws to clarify procedures and extend operational timelines. It updates public hearing requirements for district establishment (Sections 2-3), adjusts bond terms to cap financing at 30 years per development phase (Section 5), and changes dissolution rules to occur 30 years after the *last* special assessment (Section 6), instead of from the district's start date. These changes directly affect local governments creating infrastructure districts and property owners subject to special assessments. The bill simplifies administrative processes while ensuring districts remain accountable through time-bound financial and operational rules.

Maddy summarySJR 544 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Beverly Bell, founder and director of Optimum Hope! in Lebanon, for her work establishing a nonprofit wellness program supporting Parkinson's patients in Tennessee. It recognizes her 31-year career as a physical therapist, founding Optimum Hope! in 2016 (which now serves over 65 participants), and her volunteer efforts without salary. The resolution was introduced in 2025, passed initial steps, but was withdrawn in 2026. It has no policy impact - it solely serves as a formal commendation.

Maddy summarySB 27 limits the governor's emergency powers by prohibiting executive orders, proclamations, or rules from overriding or conflicting with the Tennessee Constitution. It specifically restricts the governor from suspending procedural requirements for state agencies or laws governing how state business operates during emergencies. The bill requires that any suspension of such procedures must be strictly necessary to address the emergency, with no broader exceptions. This directly affects the governor's authority to issue emergency directives under Tennessee law.

Maddy summarySB 28 expands Tennessee's harassment law to include face-to-face communication as a form of harassment, in addition to existing methods like text, phone, or online messages. This change directly affects individuals who engage in threatening or intimidating behavior while physically present with a victim, such as verbal threats during stalking or nonverbal intimidation in person. The bill amends the definition of "communicate" in state law to explicitly cover in-person contact, alongside written, electronic, or telephone interactions. The law will take effect on July 1, 2025, broadening the legal scope for prosecuting harassment cases that occur through physical presence.