Sen. Ferrell Haile

Maddy summarySJR 423 is a commemorative resolution honoring Dr. Clint A. Satterfield upon his retirement as Director of Schools for Trousdale County, Tennessee. It formally recognizes his 40+ years of service in public education, including his leadership from 2007 and his role in achieving multiple state awards for Trousdale County Schools. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, expressing the General Assembly's appreciation without creating new laws or affecting any regulations. It was signed into law by the Governor on May 2, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 304 allows video recordings of children's interviews with forensic interviewers to be used as evidence in court for cases involving sexual or physical violence against children. The bill requires either the child or the forensic interviewer to swear under oath that the recording is accurate, and the child must be available for cross-examination. It also clarifies that interviews conducted by qualified professionals - such as those employed by accredited child advocacy centers or federal agencies - meet admissibility standards. This change directly affects child victims in criminal cases, streamlining evidence presentation while maintaining judicial safeguards.

Maddy summarySJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit the Tennessee state government from imposing any property tax. It would amend Article II, Section 28 of the Tennessee Constitution by removing language allowing state property taxation and replacing it with a clear ban on state-level property taxes. This change would prevent the state legislature from ever levying, authorizing, or permitting a state property tax, though local governments (counties and municipalities) would retain their current authority to tax property. The amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (SJR 401) honoring David Roy Baldwin, a Trousdale County, Tennessee resident who served as a painter, religious leader, Republican Party chair, and election commissioner. The resolution commemorates his life, faith-based service, community contributions, and family, following his passing. It was passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on April 30, 2025. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or laws.

Maddy summarySB 992 requires Tennessee's juvenile courts to adopt a new centralized computer system for tracking juvenile cases. All juvenile court clerks must switch to this statewide system, which meets criminal justice standards, following a schedule set with the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). The system mandates monthly reporting of case data directly to the AOC, replacing older, fragmented record-keeping methods. This change applies to all juvenile courts across Tennessee and aims to improve data consistency and accessibility.

Maddy summarySB 916 expands Tennessee's definition of "racketeering activity" to specifically include animal fighting, as defined under Tennessee Code § 39-14-203. This change directly affects individuals or groups involved in organizing, participating in, or facilitating animal fighting events, treating such activities as part of organized criminal enterprises. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-12-203(10) by adding a new subsection (RRR) to categorize animal fighting under racketeering offenses. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 299 amends Tennessee's medical cannabis commission membership requirements to include a patient caregiver (or former caregiver of a deceased patient) and a subject matter expert in cannabis cultivation, processing, distribution, or medical prescription. The bill also updates the commission's reporting duties to explicitly allow it to provide policy recommendations to the legislature alongside its findings. These changes, effective April 15, 2025, directly affect how the commission is structured and the scope of its advice to lawmakers on medical cannabis policy.

Maddy summarySB 955, now known as the "Medical Ethics Defense Act," protects Tennessee healthcare providers from being forced to participate in or pay for medical procedures that conflict with their conscience. It defines "conscience" as sincerely held ethical, moral, or religious beliefs and prohibits discriminatory actions - like termination or penalties - against providers who refuse specific procedures based on those beliefs. The law also safeguards providers who report violations of this act, preventing retaliation for whistleblowing. This applies to healthcare professionals, institutions, and payers but excludes procedures governed by federal law (such as emergency care under EMTALA).

Maddy summarySB 576 amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 71-5-2005(g) to allow the TennCare division to submit annual coverage assessment reports more frequently than annually, rather than requiring only an annual report. This change directly affects the TennCare division (Tennessee's Medicaid program) by giving it flexibility in reporting timelines. The bill modifies the existing reporting requirement without altering eligibility, funding, or coverage rules, simply updating the procedural mechanism for submitting the assessment. The change became effective June 30, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on April 24, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 138 is a symbolic resolution commending Austin Parker for his service as a legislative intern assisting Senator Ferrell Haile during Tennessee's 2025 legislative session. It recognizes his academic achievements (political science major at Lipscomb University), professional internships (including with Massingill Attorneys and a Lex Fellowship in D.C.), community work (volunteering with Nashville Dolphins), and contributions to the legislative process. The resolution has no legal effect - it is purely a ceremonial honor expressing the Senate's appreciation for Parker's work. It passed unanimously (32-0) and was signed by the Senate Speaker on April 24, 2025.