Sen. Ferrell Haile

Maddy summarySJR 171 is a resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor School Resource Officer Chris Jennings of the Sumner County Sheriff's Office. It recognizes his recent NASRO Practitioner status, awarded by the National Association of School Resource Officers for his 30 years of law enforcement service, specialized school safety training (including 160 hours of training and advanced certification), and dedication to youth and school safety. The resolution specifically highlights his work at Robert E. Ellis Middle School and his background as a licensed school counselor with advanced degrees in social justice and education. This is a formal expression of commendation with no legislative policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 29) is a ceremonial honor recognizing Carragan Laine Fields for her service as a legislative staffer in Senator Haile's office. It commends her work ethic, integrity, and positive impact on the Senate workplace during her tenure, including her transition from intern to full-time employee while completing her degree. The resolution does not create any new laws, policies, or financial obligations - it is solely a formal expression of appreciation by the Senate. It directly affects no individuals beyond the ceremonial acknowledgment of Fields' contributions.

Maddy summarySB 1435 allows the Gallatin City Council to impose impact fees on new development projects within the city limits. These fees would fund specific capital improvements like street repairs, water systems, storm drainage, and emergency services related to the development. The bill requires a two-thirds vote by Gallatin's city council for approval, and the fees would apply directly to developers of new properties. It amends existing local law to formalize this authority for Gallatin only.

Maddy summarySB 6006 creates the Tennessee Transportation Financing Authority (TTF Authority) to provide bonds and financing for state transportation projects like highways, bridges, and transit systems. The authority, governed by a board including the governor and state finance officials, can issue bonds and use user fees to cover project costs - including construction, land acquisition, and engineering expenses. This directly affects how Tennessee funds and manages transportation infrastructure development, maintenance, and improvements statewide. The bill replaces previous financing mechanisms with a dedicated state authority to streamline project funding.

Maddy summarySB 590 requires Tennessee's election finance registry to report by September 1, 2025, on digital currency contributions to political candidates and campaign committees over the previous five years. The report must be submitted to the Senate and House speakers, legislative librarian, and budget analysis office. This bill directly affects campaign committees and candidates receiving digital currency donations, mandating a formal review of this emerging funding source. It does not change campaign finance rules but establishes a data-gathering requirement for legislative oversight. The bill amends several Tennessee Code sections to implement this reporting obligation.

Maddy summarySB 1242 deletes an obsolete provision requiring the comptroller and TennCare committees to study prescription drug use and costs in nursing homes, with a report due by January 2005. This bill removes a now-inactive requirement from Tennessee law (TCA § 71-5-195) that expired long ago. The provision had mandated an analysis of drug practices to improve care quality while reducing program costs, but the deadline passed over two decades ago. No new obligations or policy changes are created - only an outdated legal requirement is formally removed.

Maddy summarySB 1057 deletes an outdated requirement from Tennessee law that previously mandated the comptroller to study prescription drug use and costs in nursing homes (with a 2005 reporting deadline to lawmakers). This bill removes Section 71-5-195 of Tennessee Code, which had become obsolete after its 2005 deadline passed. It does not create new policy or affect current drug programs, as it only eliminates a defunct administrative task. The bill was filed in 2025 but withdrawn before further action.

Maddy summarySB 131 modifies Tennessee's tax code to expand a privilege tax exemption for subsidiaries of agricultural cooperatives. It ensures these subsidiaries qualify for the exemption regardless of their legal structure (e.g., corporation, LLC, or partnership), as long as they are controlled by a Tennessee agricultural cooperative and any profits benefit the cooperative. This directly affects agricultural cooperative subsidiaries operating in Tennessee, removing a potential tax burden tied to their organizational form. The bill clarifies that such subsidiaries are not subject to business privilege taxes when their profits support the cooperative's agricultural activities. The change aims to simplify tax treatment for these entities while maintaining the legislative intent to support Tennessee's agricultural sector.

Maddy summarySB 414 (withdrawn on February 4, 2025) proposed a rule requiring Tennessee public schools and charter schools to prohibit student use of personal electronic devices (like phones or tablets) during the school day, except for specific exceptions. These exceptions include devices provided by the school, authorized use under school policy, or devices used for assistive technology under a student’s IEP or 504 plan. The bill would have required school boards to create and submit written policies by July 31, 2025, including emergency notification procedures for parents. As it was withdrawn, this bill never became law.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to Tennessee that would stop the state government from imposing any taxes on property. Currently, the state constitution allows property taxes to be levied by local authorities like counties and cities, but this measure would add a specific rule preventing the state legislature from creating or authorizing its own property tax. If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, the change would legally bar the state from taxing property, leaving only local jurisdictions with the power to levy such taxes. The bill is sponsored by Senator Haile and follows the standard process for submitting constitutional amendments to the public.