Sen. Tom Hatcher

Maddy summarySB 2005 requires certain fire investigators in Tennessee to hold a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification to exercise police powers - such as making arrests - in arson or suspected arson cases. This applies to the Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance and their deputies, municipal fire investigators, and salaried county fire investigators. Investigators may still conduct routine fire origin investigations without certification but must have it when using police authority. The requirement takes effect January 1, 2027, with POST issuing certifications after meeting police officer qualifications and completing annual training.

Maddy summarySB 1725 creates a Class C misdemeanor offense for recreational boaters who secure their vessels for more than 14 consecutive days at any location along a reservoir's water's edge or within one mile of it. The law also prohibits establishing temporary moorage in federal-managed navigation channels or blocking access to reservoir areas. It directly affects owners of noncommercial pleasure boats using Tennessee reservoirs managed by federal agencies. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties, with an exception for vessels with federally issued permanent mooring permits. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1632 renames the Army National Guard Armory on U.S. Highway 321 in Maryville, Tennessee, to the "William O. Gregory Army National Guard Armory" to honor Command Sergeant Major William O. Gregory's 41 years of service in the Tennessee Army National Guard. The bill requires the Tennessee Department of Military to install signs or markers designating the new name using existing resources. This is a commemorative measure with no financial or policy changes beyond the naming and signage.

Maddy summarySB 2539 changes Tennessee child custody laws by requiring courts to prioritize credible evidence of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or domestic violence when determining a child's best interests. It mandates that courts give "highest weight" to such evidence regardless of whether the abuse occurred against the child or any other household member (including siblings or step-siblings). The bill creates a presumption that placing a child with a parent found to have committed abuse is not in the child's best interest, requiring courts to provide written justification if this presumption is overridden. These changes apply to all custody decisions, including temporary orders, and require courts to review protective services records before making placements. The law directly affects Tennessee family courts, judges, and families involved in custody disputes where abuse evidence is relevant.

Maddy summarySB 2532 raises penalties for improper sewage disposal by businesses that remove septic system waste, upgrading violations from a Class C to Class B misdemeanor. It requires courts to notify environmental officials upon conviction, triggering permit suspensions (30 days for first offense, 90 days for second, permanent revocation for third or subsequent violations). This directly affects licensed waste removal businesses operating in Tennessee, with consequences tied to their violation history. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee law to strengthen enforcement against commercial violators of sewage disposal rules.

Maddy summarySB 1724 allows jails in Tennessee to refuse accepting arrestees who require medical attention and were arrested for a non-violent misdemeanor (not a crime against a person). The arresting agency must arrange for a healthcare provider to evaluate the arrestee and obtain a release form confirming the person no longer needs medical care or can be confined. This applies specifically to misdemeanor offenses under Title 39, Chapter 13 (e.g., minor property offenses, non-violent violations). The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and amends Tennessee Code Sections 41-4-145 and related provisions.

Maddy summarySB 2529 requires Tennessee's Department of Transportation to install signs or markers at rest areas and welcome centers indicating the presence of adult-sized changing tables (height-adjustable platforms in family restrooms). It also mandates the department to publish online a list of locations with these facilities. The bill directly affects motorists using state highways who rely on rest areas, particularly parents or caregivers needing accessible changing options. Key provisions include using standardized traffic sign symbols and consulting tourism officials for implementation, with the requirement taking effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1808 urges Tennessee's Department of Transportation (in consultation with the Department of Revenue) to study whether requiring registration of personal boat trailers would affect transportation infrastructure. If conducted, the study must be completed and reported to specific legislative committees by January 1, 2027. The bill does not create new registration requirements but requests an analysis of potential impacts on infrastructure needs. It directly affects state agencies conducting the study, not boat owners or the public. This is a procedural study bill with no immediate policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 2530 allows deceased Tennessee legislators or former legislators to lie in state at the state capitol building under specific conditions. If an immediate family member (spouse, parent, sibling, or child) requests it, the governor and legislative speakers must permit this for up to one full day during public hours. The governor and speakers may also authorize this without a family request if no immediate family exists. The bill amends Tennessee law to establish this process for honoring former lawmakers. (Procedural bill; summary focuses solely on the policy change.)

Maddy summarySB 1631 increases penalties for knowingly operating drones over correctional facilities in Tennessee, raising the offense from a misdemeanor to a Class C felony. It directly affects drone operators near prisons and authorizes correctional facility employees to disable such drones without liability for damage. Key provisions include amending criminal penalties to classify drone use over correctional properties as a felony and explicitly protecting facilities and staff from legal claims when disabling drones. The bill focuses on enhancing security at correctional facilities by strengthening consequences for unauthorized drone activity.