Sen. Jeff Yarbro

Maddy summarySB 1131 would allow Tennessee courts to issue emergency protection orders prohibiting individuals from purchasing or possessing firearms when a family member, household member, intimate partner, or law enforcement officer files a petition alleging an imminent risk of harm. The order would take effect immediately, with a court hearing required within 30 days to extend it for up to one year if the petitioner proves the risk by a preponderance of evidence. Petitioners would not pay court costs, fees, or related expenses, and law enforcement must report the order to national databases. This bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 17, to establish this process.

Maddy summarySB 412 requires Tennessee county election commissions to set uniform opening and closing hours for all early voting polling places within a county on any single day. This means all early voting locations in a county must open and close simultaneously each day during early voting periods, though hours may differ between days. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 2 and takes effect July 1, 2025. It directly affects county election commissions and impacts voters using early voting locations.

Maddy summarySB 806 changes Tennessee eviction procedures for cases based on nonpayment of rent. It requires eviction trials to occur within 14 days of filing (down from a previous minimum of 6 days), limits court hearings to only rent-related issues like lease terms and payment history, and gives tenants 7 days to move after a judgment. This directly affects tenants facing eviction and landlords filing nonpayment lawsuits. The bill aims to streamline the process while narrowing court focus to rent disputes.

Maddy summarySB 1248 requires Tennessee health insurance carriers to provide equal coverage for mental health services as they do for alcoholism and drug dependence treatment. This bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections related to health insurance (including Title 56, Section 56-7-2360(c)) to mandate that coverage for mental health must be "to the same extent" as coverage for substance use disorders. It directly affects health insurance carriers and their plans, requiring them to ensure parity in benefits, reimbursement rates, and coverage criteria. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, applying to all new or renewed insurance policies after that date.

Maddy summarySB 164 creates a temporary healthcare program for low-income Tennesseans who don’t qualify for existing TennCare or CoverKids. It would provide medical assistance for up to 60 months total (with different limits for under-21 and 21+ individuals) to those with income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. The program requires a federal waiver by December 2025, uses 90% federal and 10% state funding, and does not replace eligibility for existing programs. Enrollment would begin six months after federal approval, with benefits pausing if someone later qualifies for TennCare or CoverKids.

Maddy summarySB 135 allows students with prescribed rescue seizure medication to possess and self-administer it at school or school events under specific conditions. It directly affects students with seizure disorders who require emergency medication, requiring parental authorization, physician instructions detailing dosage and circumstances, and the medication to remain in its original sealed packaging. Schools must maintain these documents on file and notify parents of the school's limited liability (excluding willful misconduct), with parents signing to acknowledge this. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and aims to balance student safety with clear administrative requirements.

Maddy summaryThis law directs the Tennessee Department of Human Services to find any federal or state rules that slow down the processing of food assistance applications and the delivery of benefits. The department must apply for necessary federal waivers by October 31, 2024, to overcome these regulatory barriers. By December 31, 2024, the department must submit a report to state lawmakers detailing its findings, the status of waiver requests, and suggestions for changing state laws to improve efficiency.

Maddy summaryThis bill, which has been enacted into law, strengthens Tennessee's regulations by making it illegal for any individual or business to represent itself as a licensed contractor without holding a valid state license. The law applies to all persons, firms, and corporations attempting to act as contractors in Tennessee or in other states while unlicensed, ensuring that only qualified professionals operate in the industry. By amending multiple sections of the state code, the legislation removes specific legal references that previously created exceptions or confusion, thereby closing potential loopholes for unlicensed operation. The primary effect is to protect consumers by enforcing stricter compliance with licensing requirements across various commercial and insurance-related statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires landlords in Tennessee to provide tenants with specific contact details for the property manager, the owner, and maintenance services before a lease begins. The disclosure must include names, phone numbers, and email addresses to ensure tenants can easily reach the right people for legal notices, emergencies, and repairs. If a landlord fails to provide this information upon request, tenants can sue in court to force compliance and recover legal costs. The law applies to all rental agreements entered into on or after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis law gives the state's chief procurement officer the authority to create rules and guidance for buying computer systems and software. The officer must work with technology experts to set standards for user-friendly designs, ensure smooth transitions between vendors, and prevent unnecessary costs. These new guidelines aim to improve how the state acquires technology while protecting citizens from service disruptions and excessive administrative burdens.