Sen. Jeff Yarbro

Maddy summarySB 2520 allocates 2% of sports gaming tax revenue in Tennessee to programs supporting at-risk youth in both rural and urban communities. It amends tax code to reduce the general fund allocation from 80% to 78% of the tax, redirecting the surplus 2% specifically for these youth initiatives. The Department of Economic and Community Development will administer the funds using existing resources, distributing them through a council to the state treasurer. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, creating a dedicated funding stream for youth programs without new taxes or spending.

Maddy summarySB 2321 prohibits distributing manipulated election-related media (like AI-generated videos or audio) within 90 days of a state or local election if it falsely depicts a candidate or political party. It requires clear disclosures (e.g., "This media was AI-generated") for such content, with specific size/duration rules for visual media and audio. Violators face civil penalties up to $10,000, but the law excludes news broadcasts (with proper disclosure), satire, and publications that explicitly state the content is not authentic. The bill directly affects candidates, political committees, social media platforms, and media distributors during election periods. Exceptions ensure news coverage and parody remain protected.

Maddy summarySB 2490 removes an outdated reference to a July 1, 1982, start date for a demonstration project related to long-term care alternatives under Tennessee's Medicaid program (TennCare). The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee law by deleting this obsolete phrase, which was originally tied to a federal law from 1981. This is a purely administrative update with no impact on current program operations, funding, or eligibility for Medicaid beneficiaries. The change ensures state law aligns with current practice without altering any policy requirements.

Maddy summarySB 2677 would allow individuals who suffer injury, death, or property damage due to negligent actions by federal immigration agents to sue the federal agency responsible for compensatory damages and legal costs. It directly affects people harmed during federal immigration enforcement actions in Tennessee. The bill requires claims to be filed within one year of the incident occurring. This creates a new state-law mechanism for holding federal agencies accountable for negligence in immigration enforcement, distinct from federal sovereign immunity protections.

Maddy summarySB 2489 extends the deadline for Tennessee's Department of Finance and Administration to submit its annual report on the state's Medicaid program (TennCare) from 60 to 65 days after each fiscal year ends. The report must detail program operations, expenditures, county-level medical assistance statistics, and other relevant information. This change directly affects the department's reporting schedule and provides the governor and General Assembly with slightly more time for oversight. The bill does not alter Medicaid benefits, funding, or program rules - only the timeline for required transparency reporting.

Maddy summarySB 2297 removes an outdated reference to July 1, 2000, from Tennessee law governing TennCare application forms. This procedural update eliminates a historical date that no longer applies to the Department of Health's requirement to inform applicants about coverage rules under the Medical Assistance Act. The change affects administrative forms used for TennCare uninsured or uninsurable coverage applications but does not alter the substance of eligibility requirements or applicant obligations. The bill amends Section 71-5-110(c)(2) of the Tennessee Code by deleting the obsolete phrase.

Maddy summarySB 1831 requires gambling licensees to block online sports betting on public college campuses and at college sports venues during games, and mandates public universities to restrict internet access to online sports betting on campus networks. The law applies to all public institutions of higher education in Tennessee, including main campuses, residential facilities within one mile, and off-campus sports venues used for collegiate events. It defines "campus" broadly to cover these areas and takes effect on July 1, 2026. The bill targets direct access points for students, faculty, and staff using institutional networks.

Maddy summarySB 1852, the "TennCare Buy-In Act," creates a new health coverage option for Tennesseans aged 18 to 64 who are not eligible for Medicare or other TennCare programs. Eligible individuals must meet income requirements (based on federal poverty level), pay a monthly premium that increases with income, and not be incarcerated or enrolled in other TennCare categories. The program uses Tennessee's existing TennCare managed care networks to provide comprehensive health benefits, excluding non-emergency transportation, with premiums due monthly and failure to pay risking coverage termination and a three-month re-enrollment lockout. Enrollment requires an application through online, mail, or in-person channels, with eligibility determined within 60 days and annual renewal required.

Maddy summarySB 1346, the "Preventing Deepfake Images Act," creates a civil legal remedy for individuals whose intimate digital images or videos (including deepfakes) are shared without consent. It directly affects people who have had non-consensual intimate depictions - such as images showing genitals, sexual fluids, or explicit acts - disclosed online or otherwise. The law allows victims to sue for $150,000 in liquidated damages, actual damages, or punitive damages, and seek court orders to stop further disclosure. It defines key terms like "deepfakes" and clarifies that consent for creating the image does not cover its sharing, while allowing exceptions for law enforcement or good-faith disclosures. The law took effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 314 creates a new paid leave entitlement for eligible education employees in Tennessee during the adoption process. It directly affects public school staff and similar education workers who are adopting a minor child. The bill defines "adoption" to include the period starting when an adoption petition is filed and the child is placed with the prospective parent under a court order (like guardianship or custodial order), continuing until the court issues a final adoption decree. This extends paid leave coverage to cover the legal process phase, not just the final adoption. The law amends Tennessee Code sections related to public employee benefits (Title 8, Chapter 50; Title 36 and 37, Chapter 1).