Sen. Tom Hatcher

Maddy summarySB 2007 creates a tiered license suspension system for sewage removal businesses convicted of illegally dumping sewage. It directly affects licensed professionals who illegally dispose of sewage while operating in this business. The bill mandates that courts notify the environmental commissioner after a conviction, triggering automatic license suspensions: 30 days for a first offense, 90 days for a second, and permanent revocation for a third or subsequent violation. These penalties apply to violations under specific sections of Tennessee law governing sewage disposal and waste management. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 720 amends Tennessee law to change term limits for the Ground Water Management Board, extending the maximum consecutive service from two to three full terms. This directly affects current and future board members by allowing them to serve longer without a break. The bill, effective July 1, 2025, modifies Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 4 and 69 to implement this change, with no substantive policy shifts to water management practices.

Maddy summarySB 963 extends the deadline for filing misdemeanor charges against defendants found incompetent to stand trial from 11 months and 29 days to two years after arrest. If charges are dismissed due to ongoing incompetence, the chief officer must notify the court of the defendant's release and provide an outpatient treatment plan addressing community safety. The bill directly affects misdemeanor defendants declared incompetent, requiring courts and sheriffs to receive updated discharge and treatment information. These changes amend Tennessee law in Titles 33, 40, and 52 to improve coordination during the competency process.

Maddy summarySB 848 (enacted May 5, 2025) allows Tennessee counties that have adopted the County Purchasing Law of 1957 to require competitive bidding for insurance brokerage services. This applies specifically to counties using the 1957 purchasing framework, mandating they seek multiple bids instead of selecting brokers through non-competitive processes. The law amends Tennessee Code Sections 5-1-101 and 12-3-121 to implement this change. It directly affects county governments managing insurance procurement, ensuring greater transparency in selecting brokers for public insurance needs.

Maddy summarySB 116 removes a requirement that audits and working papers for human resource agencies must be reviewed by the state comptroller before payment. This change directly affects governing boards of human resource agencies operating under the 1973 Human Resource Agency Act and the independent public accountants who prepare their annual audits. The bill amends Tennessee law by deleting a specific code section (TCA Title 13, Section 13-26-106(b)(5)) that previously mandated this comptroller review. The policy change simplifies the payment process for these audits without altering the audit standards or requirements. The bill became effective on April 11, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySJR 417 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Peggy Bratt, a certified athletic trainer from Alcoa High School, for her induction into the Southeastern Athletic Trainers' Association (SEATA) Hall of Fame. The resolution formally recognizes her 20+ years of professional service, including leadership roles in Tennessee and regional athletic training organizations, her work with high schools and the TSSAA, and her community contributions. It does not create new laws or affect policy - it is purely a commemorative gesture by the Tennessee General Assembly. The resolution was passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor on May 2, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 440 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the Heritage High School Lady Mountaineers girls' basketball team for winning the 2025 TSSAA Division I, Class 3A state championship - their first team state title in school history. The resolution formally congratulates the team, their coaches, and supporters, highlighting their 35-2 season record and championship victory over Northview Academy. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves to recognize the team's athletic achievement and character.

Maddy summarySB 454 clarifies who qualifies as a "professional solicitor" under Tennessee's charitable solicitation law. It removes ambiguous language that previously excluded employees or servants specially hired by charities to solicit donations. The bill specifically deletes a comma after "for a charitable organization" and removes a phrase about "planning, conducting, or managing" charitable solicitations. This change ensures that staff directly employed by charities for donation solicitation are explicitly included as professional solicitors. The law directly affects Tennessee charitable organizations and their employees who engage in fundraising activities.

Maddy summarySB 391 allows certified facility dogs to accompany witnesses - especially trauma victims - in court to reduce stress and improve testimony accuracy. It sets strict requirements: dogs must have 2+ years of training, vet health certificates, $500,000 insurance, and visible markings, while handlers must be certified in legal protocols. Courts must approve requests via motion, require handlers to stay visible to witnesses but out of jury view during testimony, and instruct juries not to view the dog as prejudicial. The law, effective April 11, 2025, applies to all Tennessee court proceedings involving witness testimony.

Maddy summarySB 453 changes Tennessee's rules for nonprofit fundraising. It requires professional solicitors to file campaign materials with the Secretary of State **within 90 days after a campaign ends** (instead of before it starts or within 7 days of changes). This eliminates the previous requirement for immediate notification of material modifications. The bill directly affects nonprofits and professional solicitors using fundraising materials in Tennessee, streamlining their reporting process. The law became effective April 24, 2025.