Sen. Charlane Oliver

Maddy summarySJR 258 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Metro Nashville Public Schools' (MNPS) Visual and Performing Arts Team and their Emmy-winning documentary *Every Student Known: The Creation of an Anthem*. It recognizes the students, staff, and partners who created the song "Every Student Known" (and its Spanish counterpart "Cada Estudiante Valorado") and the documentary chronicling its development. The resolution specifically commemorates the documentary's Midsouth Emmy win and the collaborative process involving MNPS students, music specialists, and industry partners like Capitol Christian Music Group. As a symbolic gesture with no policy changes, it does not impose new requirements or affect any legal obligations.

Maddy summarySB 1014 requires Tennessee school districts (LEAs) to submit a list of underutilized or vacant properties to the state Department of Human Services and the Comptroller of the Treasury. Child care facilities operating within those districts gain a right of first or second refusal (depending on whether charter schools exist in the district) to lease or purchase such properties at or below fair market value. The law mandates fair market value be determined by averaging two independent appraisals - one chosen by the LEA and one by the facility owner - and specifies that lease agreements cannot include outstanding bonded debt costs. It also outlines maintenance responsibilities, capital repair obligations, and ensures facilities retain rights if they close or the LEA sells properties. This bill directly affects school districts and non-corporate-owned child care facilities statewide.

Maddy summarySB 270, the "Universal Pre-K Funding Act," mandates that Tennessee public school districts (LEAs) provide universal pre-kindergarten programs for all eligible 4-year-olds residing in their district. It removes previous voluntary language, requiring LEAs to offer sufficient classrooms and set specific program standards, including a maximum class size of 20 students, certified early childhood teachers, and a curriculum covering literacy, math, and social development. The bill also establishes enrollment processes for oversubscribed programs and requires compliance with state early childhood education standards. This directly affects all Tennessee public school districts and children aged 4 who meet residency requirements.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (SJR 202) honoring the Tennessee State University Speech and Debate Team for winning 43 awards and seven state championship titles at the Tennessee Forensics Association State Championship. It directly recognizes the team members, including students like Jared Howell, Aaron Anderson, and Jocelyn Floyd, for their academic achievements. The resolution has no policy or legal effect - it simply expresses legislative commendation through a formal statement of praise. It was unanimously passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySJR 203 is a Tennessee Senate Joint Resolution honoring Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and its South Eastern Regional Director Dr. Tracey Morant Adams. The resolution recognizes Dr. Adams' service and the sorority's upcoming "AKA Day at the Capitol" event, scheduled for March 26, 2025. This event will include work sessions focused on maternal health, Black youth mental health, and suicide prevention, aligning with the sorority's 2025 Legislative Agenda. The resolution serves as a formal expression of appreciation for the sorority's community engagement and advocacy efforts.

Maddy summarySB 1228 would require Tennessee county election commissions to publish early voting office hours 30 days before an election, instead of the current 25 days. This change directly affects local election offices by extending the notice period for voters. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 2, Section 2-6-103(c), to update this deadline. The bill failed in the Senate State and Local Government Committee on March 25, 2025, and did not advance further.

Maddy summarySB 1011 would create a legal exception to Tennessee's criminal abortion law for cases where a licensed physician performs an abortion and the pregnancy resulted from specific defined crimes: aggravated rape, rape, rape of a child, especially aggravated rape, especially aggravated rape of a child, or incest. This exception directly affects patients who become pregnant through these crimes and the licensed physicians who provide abortions in those circumstances. The bill amends Tennessee Code Section 39-15-213 to add this exception, allowing such abortions without criminal penalty under state law. The policy change specifically limits the exception to the listed offenses as defined in other Tennessee statutes.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 69 honors the memory of Commander Anthony William McClain, a 27-year veteran of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department who died on March 9, 2025. The resolution expresses the Tennessee Senate's condolences to his family and recognizes his service, including his roles as head of operations at the North Precinct and leader of the Special Victims Division. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - only serving as a formal expression of respect for his public service legacy.

Maddy summarySB 1008 would allow Tennessee municipalities to create mandatory registries for all residential rental properties within their borders. Rental property owners would need to register annually with basic details (address, owner contact, unit count) and verify compliance with building and safety codes, while owner-occupied units renting fewer than two units and government-owned properties would be exempt. Municipalities could charge registration fees and impose penalties for non-compliance, and must submit annual reports to the state department detailing registered properties and code violations resolved. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summarySB 1009 creates a state-administered "small business recovery grant fund" to cover eligible costs for Tennessee small businesses impacted by unforeseen events like violent acts or disruptive construction. Eligible businesses must have under $1 million in annual revenue, no more than 15 employees, and a single physical location in Tennessee. Grants cover costs such as payroll, rent, utilities, and property repairs for up to six months but exclude pandemic-related expenses or events covered by disaster declarations. The Department of Economic and Community Development will distribute funds through local governments or nonprofits, not directly to businesses.