Sen. Jeff Yarbro

Maddy summarySB 2619 changes Tennessee sentencing rules for defendants receiving a split sentence (part jail time, part probation). It increases the required continuous jail time from one year to three years for such cases, and specifies that the state must cover all jail costs after the first year. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 40-35-306 and 40-35-314 to implement these changes. This directly affects criminal defendants in Tennessee who are sentenced to split confinement and probation. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1204, the "Anti-Road Rage Act of 2024," creates new criminal penalties for firearm-related conduct in vehicles. It makes it a Class E felony to recklessly discharge a firearm while operating or riding in a motor vehicle, and a Class A misdemeanor to recklessly display or brandish a firearm in the same situation. The law directly affects drivers and passengers who engage in these actions, applying to all motor vehicles under Tennessee law. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 39-17-1902 and 39-17-1903, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1129 creates two new criminal offenses in Tennessee: (1) a Class E felony for controlling a motor vehicle without the owner’s permission (even if not intending to steal it), and (2) a Class A misdemeanor for possessing a firearm known to be stolen. It directly affects individuals who unlawfully take vehicles or possess stolen firearms, with penalties based on the specific violation. The bill amends Tennessee’s criminal code to define these acts clearly, specifying that unauthorized vehicle control is a felony while stolen firearm possession is a misdemeanor. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and is currently pending review by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summarySB 2400 clarifies that Tennessee's Age-Appropriate Materials Act of 2022 does not apply to materials available through the Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL). The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 49-6-3803 and 10-1-301 to explicitly exclude TEL resources from the Act's requirements. This directly affects the TEL's digital collection, ensuring its materials (like e-books and databases) remain exempt from age-appropriate content restrictions. The key provision adds a specific exemption to the law's coverage, maintaining access to these educational resources without requiring age verification. The bill does not change the Act's application to other public or school libraries.

Maddy summarySB 2298 prohibits school boards and public charter school governing bodies from removing library materials during evaluation. The bill requires materials to remain in school libraries until an evaluation determines if they are appropriate for students' age and maturity and consistent with the school's educational mission. This applies to all public schools in Tennessee and takes effect on July 1, 2026. The law prevents premature removal while evaluations are ongoing, ensuring decisions are made after full review.

Maddy summarySJR 717 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the University School of Nashville boys' cross country team for finishing as state runners-up in the 2025 TSSAA Division II, Class A championship. It formally recognizes their achievement, dedication, and teamwork without creating any new laws or policies. This resolution, passed unanimously by both chambers of the Tennessee legislature, serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation with no binding effect on state programs or funding.

Maddy summarySJR 721 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Jessica McClintock, a Lipscomb Academy student who won the TSSAA Division II girls' individual bowling state championship in 2026. It recognizes her achievements, including scoring 1,081 pins in the semi-finals and defeating her opponent by 37 pins in the championship match, as well as her role in helping her team win the state team title. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly’s congratulations and admiration for her sportsmanship and success, with no legal effect or policy changes. It is purely symbolic, celebrating an individual student-athlete’s accomplishments.

Maddy summarySJR 718 is a symbolic resolution honoring the Valor College Prep Wildcats girls' volleyball team for winning the 2025 TSSAA Division I, Class AA state championship. It recognizes the team's athletic achievement, sportsmanship, and character, while acknowledging their coaches and contributions to their school community. The resolution formally expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's praise and congratulations to the players and coaches. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect but serves as a public acknowledgment of their accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 719) is a ceremonial resolution honoring Maggie Crosslin, a student-athlete from St. Cecilia Academy, for winning the 2025 TSSAA Division II, Class A Girls' Cross Country Individual Championship. It formally congratulates her on her athletic achievement (with a winning time of 18:34), academic involvement (taking five AP classes), and leadership roles (cross country captain, National Honor Society president). The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses commendation from the Tennessee General Assembly and was passed unanimously (94-0) before being signed by both legislative leaders.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally honors the Lipscomb Academy Lady Mustangs girls' bowling team for winning the TSSAA Division II state championship. It commends their championship season, character, and community support without creating any new laws or policies. As a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill), it has no direct impact on legislation or affected parties beyond expressing legislative recognition. The resolution passed unanimously and was signed into formal acknowledgment by Tennessee's legislature.