Sen. Heidi Campbell

Maddy summarySB 923 decriminalizes the possession of less than one ounce (28.35 grams) of marijuana or up to five marijuana plants in Tennessee, removing criminal penalties for these amounts. It directly affects individuals caught with these small quantities, while allowing municipalities and counties to impose civil penalties (up to $250) for public possession or casual sharing of small amounts. Key provisions include defining "casual exchange" as spontaneous sharing without money or payment methods, and specifying penalties calculated at $25 per 0.1 ounce or $50 per plant. The bill does not change laws regarding marijuana sales or larger quantities, and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 643 would exempt nonprofit religious institutions in Davidson County from property taxes when they own land used for their religious purposes, specifically for institutions with an associated nonprofit business. The bill allows these institutions to claim retroactive tax exemption for up to three years prior to their application date or the date they began using the property for exempt purposes, whichever is later. It applies to properties acquired before or after the bill’s effective date but does not require counties to refund taxes paid before the law passed. The bill is currently pending in the Senate State and Local Government Committee as of April 2025.

Maddy summarySB 921, known as the "Pot for Potholes Act," establishes a regulatory framework for the legal cultivation, processing, and retail sale of marijuana in Tennessee. It directly affects businesses (farmers, processors, retailers) and adults aged 21 and older by setting rules for product safety, age restrictions, and licensing. Key provisions include requiring child-resistant packaging for products, defining "edible marijuana products" (like infused food or drinks), and mandating that all sales be administered by the Department of Agriculture. The bill also includes funding mechanisms for product safety and minor protection, as noted in its preamble. The legislation remains pending before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summarySJR 318 is a commemorative resolution designating March 13 as "Father Charles Strobel Day" to honor Nashville priest Father Charles Strobel for founding the Room in the Inn, a national model for providing shelter to the homeless. The resolution, passed by the Tennessee General Assembly, recognizes his work starting in 1985 to combat homelessness through a program that annually shelters nearly 1,500 people during winter months across over 200 congregations nationwide. This is a symbolic gesture with no new policy or legal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJR 316) symbolically designates May 2025 as "Myositis Awareness Month" in Tennessee. It recognizes myositis - a rare, chronic autoimmune muscle disease affecting thousands - with a focus on improving public understanding and support for those impacted. The resolution, sponsored by Senator Campbell, aligns with The Myositis Association's nationwide observance efforts during May 2025. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the challenges faced by myositis patients, including diagnostic delays and health disparities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 3 as "Sister Sandra Smithson Day" to honor her work founding Nashville's first charter school (Smithson Craighead Academy) and her 67 years of service supporting low-income families through education. It recognizes her impact on improving educational opportunities for children in need. The resolution is ceremonial and does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summarySB 641 amends Tennessee law to allow nonprofit religious organizations without a physical storefront to obtain a motor vehicle dealer license. To qualify, the organization must be state-incorporated, maintain good standing with the Secretary of State, and operate a program donating vehicles and providing free repairs to individuals needing them to become self-sufficient. This change directly affects eligible nonprofits and low-income residents who rely on donated vehicles or repairs for work access. The bill creates a specific exception to standard licensing requirements for these organizations' community service activities.

Maddy summarySB 631 designates March 3 of each year as "Sister Sandra Smithson Day" in Tennessee to honor her work as an educator and founder of Nashville's first charter school, Smithson Craighead Academy. The bill amends Tennessee Code to add this day to the state's list of special observances, recognizing her 67 years of service to low-income families through education. It explicitly states this day is not a legal holiday, meaning it does not affect government operations or work schedules. The bill has no regulatory impact but serves as a symbolic tribute to her legacy.

Maddy summarySB 634 designates March 13 of each year as "Father Charles Strobel Day" in Tennessee to honor his humanitarian work. The bill specifically recognizes Father Charles Strobel's founding of Room in the Inn in 1985, a program that provided shelter for homeless individuals and became a national model, with over 200 congregations and 7,000 volunteers assisting nearly 1,500 people annually. This is a commemorative resolution with no policy changes or direct effects on residents or programs.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SJR 63), not a law. It formally honors Darek Tanner, the late owner of Nashville's Canvas Lounge, for his decades-long work creating an inclusive LGBTQ+ community space. The resolution recognizes his founding of Canvas Lounge in 2010, his commitment to fostering safety and acceptance, and his legacy of community partnership. It expresses condolences to his family and the Nashville community, with no binding policy changes or direct effects on individuals or organizations.