Sen. Charlane Oliver

Maddy summarySB 1412 modifies Tennessee's Contractor Licensing Act by changing the notice requirement for applicants who cannot attend scheduled board hearings. Specifically, it updates the rule from requiring "three calendar days" advance notice to "three business days" notice. This change directly affects individuals applying for contractor licenses under the 1994 Licensing Act who must notify the licensing board of their inability to appear. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee Code related to contracting procedures but does not alter licensing standards or fees. The change takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1222, the "Tennessee Office of Rural Prosperity Act," creates an administrative structure within the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. It authorizes the Agriculture Commissioner to designate an existing department unit as the "Office of Rural Prosperity" and consolidate the department's current duties related to rural community well-being into this new office. The bill does not create new programs or funding but reorganizes existing responsibilities under a single office to streamline efforts. This procedural change affects the Department of Agriculture's internal operations and its approach to rural community support.

Maddy summarySB 1220, the "Workers' Right to Live Act," requires employers to report workplace fatalities within 24 hours to the state division, with a $50,000 penalty for late reporting. If an investigation determines a death resulted from employer negligence (e.g., unsafe conditions or failure to follow safety rules), the employer faces a minimum $250,000 fine per fatality and must repay state tax incentives or economic development funds received in the prior three years. The law establishes a "Worker Protection Fund" to hold collected fines, which can be used to improve workplace safety. It directly affects employers operating in Tennessee, particularly those receiving state economic incentives, by creating new accountability measures for preventable workplace deaths.

Maddy summarySB 1136 requires Tennessee's Department of Safety to provide free photo identification licenses at all locations where driver licenses are issued. It applies directly to residents who sign a written statement confirming they do not have a valid government-issued photo ID. The bill mandates this free service be available at every license-issuing location starting July 1, 2025, and allows issuance even if a person holds a basic non-photo driver license. This policy change aims to reduce barriers for residents without existing photo ID, such as low-income individuals or seniors.

Maddy summarySB 1218, known as the "Parole Relief and Opportunity Act," expands the definition of hardship for Tennessee parolees to include situations where a parolee’s income cannot cover basic household needs due to family responsibilities or when they’ve made reasonable efforts to find employment but still cannot meet those needs. The bill requires the parole department to waive financial contributions for parolees qualifying as experiencing hardship under this new standard. Parolees can request a review of their financial obligation when facing hardship, and if approved, they will not be required to pay fees until their circumstances improve. This directly affects parolees in Tennessee who face economic challenges during their supervision period.

Maddy summarySB 1217 amends Tennessee law to require the Department of Correction to address housing services during pre-release orientation for inmates. It updates existing provisions by replacing "education, employment" with "education, housing, employment" in the required orientation content. This change directly affects inmates transitioning from confinement and the Department of Correction, mandating they receive support related to housing stability. The bill focuses on concrete policy adjustments to improve post-release planning, without altering other aspects of the correctional process.

Maddy summarySJR 39 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Josseline Jeanneth Escalante Vega, a 16-year-old Antioch High School student who died in the January 2025 school shooting, and the two classmates injured in the attack. It formally commemorates her life, character, and aspirations (including her dream of becoming a doctor), while extending condolences to her family and offering support to the affected school community. This resolution does not create new laws or policies - it is a symbolic gesture of remembrance approved by Tennessee's legislature and governor. It directly affects no individuals through legislative action, serving solely as a formal expression of community mourning.

Maddy summaryThis enacted bill allows counties in Tennessee to create special escrow accounts to help fund industrial development projects that include affordable housing for low-income, elderly, or disabled individuals. Under the new rules, any county establishing such an account must notify the state housing agency and the chairs of two specific legislative committees. The law amends several existing sections of the Tennessee Code to formalize this notification requirement, which takes effect immediately upon signing.

Maddy summaryThis law requires the Tennessee Department of Children's Services to send a written summary of any new policies it adopts to specific state legislative committees. The department must submit these summaries by the last day of each month and ensure they are posted on a public agenda before the committees meet. This reporting requirement is intended to increase transparency regarding the department's rule-making process. The provision will remain in effect until June 30, 2026, when it is scheduled to expire.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the calendar week containing October 28 as the "Reverend Kelly Miller Smith, Sr. Week of Service" to honor the late civil rights leader and pastor. The legislation amends state code to encourage residents of Tennessee to perform community service activities during this designated week. Reverend Smith is recognized for his pivotal role in the Nashville Civil Rights Movement, including helping to organize nonviolent protests and training future activists. The act does not create new legal requirements for service but serves as a commemorative measure to promote civic engagement.