Sen. Charlane Oliver

Maddy summarySB 1013 prevents homeowners' associations (HOAs) in Tennessee from blocking licensed family child care operations on residential properties. It directly affects family child care providers who hold a Department of Human Services license and required local permits, and HOAs that previously enforced restrictive covenants. The bill makes any HOA rule prohibiting such homes unenforceable if the operator has the necessary licenses and permits. This policy change ensures licensed child care providers can operate in residential areas without HOA interference, amending Tennessee Code Sections 66-27-901 and 66-27-902.

Maddy summarySB 1010, the "Tennessee Contraceptive Freedom Act," establishes a fundamental right for all Tennesseans to access contraception without discrimination. It requires healthcare providers to either provide contraceptive services or refer patients to providers who do, while prohibiting restrictions that single out contraceptive care or impede access. The bill explicitly defines contraception as distinct from abortion and emphasizes equal access regardless of race, gender, income, or other factors, particularly protecting historically marginalized groups. It applies to all healthcare providers, health insurance carriers, and public health agencies across Tennessee.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates two new programs to support child care workers and early childhood educators in Tennessee. The first program provides supplemental longevity payments to workers earning $20 per hour or less who have at least six months of experience at a licensed child care facility. The second program offers assistance payments to educators who are parents of children attending the same or other licensed child care centers in the state. Both programs will be implemented by January 1, 2026, and payments will be adjusted annually based on inflation.

Maddy summarySB 1221 allows Tennessee public schools and charter schools to let high school students (grades 9-12) earn half a physical education credit by completing yardwork projects for older adults or people with disabilities in their community. Students must complete equivalent hours to traditional PE, with parental consent, school supervision, and documentation by community partners. The program requires schools to notify students, handle transportation, and submit annual reports on participation and satisfaction. Credits earned count toward graduation requirements under state education rules.

Maddy summarySB 1219 requires public school districts and charter schools in Tennessee to immediately inform students, parents, teachers, staff, and contractors when an immigration officer (such as ICE or CBP personnel) is present on school property. The bill mandates that school directors notify all affected individuals without delay, overriding certain existing laws about school safety protocols. It explicitly states that this notification requirement does not make schools "sanctuary" facilities or subject staff to penalties for following this rule. The law applies directly to all public schools and charter schools across Tennessee, changing how they handle immigration enforcement interactions on campus.

Maddy summarySB 1214, the "Bearing Witness to the Death Penalty Act," adds a provision requiring Tennessee legislators to be permitted to witness executions. This bill directly affects members of the Tennessee General Assembly by mandating their inclusion as authorized observers during capital punishment executions. The key mechanism is an amendment to Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-23-116(a), which specifies that legislators may be allowed to witness executions. The bill is procedural in nature, focusing on access for legislators rather than altering execution methods or death penalty eligibility. It was introduced in February 2025 and passed initial Senate votes.

Maddy summarySB 1211 automatically restores voting rights to Tennessee residents who complete their felony sentences, including parole or probation, without requiring a court order. It directly affects people with felony convictions who have finished all court-imposed terms. The bill replaces the previous requirement for a court to restore rights with a system where a "certificate of final discharge" from supervision triggers automatic eligibility. Election officials must track suspended registrations and update voter rolls when eligibility is confirmed, using standardized forms for courts and the Department of Correction. This changes how Tennessee handles voting rights for returning citizens after sentence completion.

Maddy summarySB 1212, the "Speak UP, Tennessee Scholarship Act," creates a state-funded scholarship program for Tennessee students in 12th grade and those enrolled at public colleges or universities who demonstrate artistic excellence in spoken word poetry. The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) must establish this program through a competitive, performance-based selection process to award scholarships. Funding will come from state appropriations, grants, or private donations, with scholarships covering higher education costs to help students further develop their literary and performance skills. The program is scheduled to begin in the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summarySB 1224 changes Tennessee law to shorten the waiting period for clearing certain criminal records related to voting or registration offenses. It reduces the required time from 15 years to 10 years after completing a sentence before someone can file for expunction (record clearing). This directly affects individuals convicted of illegal voter registration or voting who want to clear their records. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 40-32-101 and related provisions, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1361 extends the deadline for the Office of Business Enterprise (within Tennessee's Department of Economic and Community Development) to submit its annual report to the General Assembly. The bill changes the submission date from December 1 to January 1 each year. This report details advice given to the commissioner about disadvantaged businesses and the number or amount of community block grants received by those businesses. The change affects the state agency responsible for preparing the report and the General Assembly that receives it.