Sen. Jeff Yarbro

Maddy summarySB 1128, the "STOP ELON Act," creates a new criminal offense for intentionally blocking someone from receiving a government loan, grant, or financial assistance they are legally entitled to. It treats this interference as theft under existing Tennessee law and allows victims to sue to recover the denied funds. The law applies to federal, state, or local government aid and targets individuals or entities that obstruct access to these benefits. It becomes effective July 1, 2025, and is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summarySB 335, the "Voyeurism Victims Act," amends Tennessee law to specifically address unauthorized photography (voyeurism) by defining "unlawful photography" and expanding legal protections for victims. It adds new provisions to criminalize hidden-camera photography, multiple-victim cases, and extends the statute of limitations for prosecution by tolling it during the defendant's concealment of the crime. The bill also integrates "unlawful photography" into existing domestic violence, stalking, and human trafficking protections, allowing victims to seek relief through related legal pathways. This law directly affects individuals who experience unauthorized photography, providing clearer legal recourse and updated penalties. It takes effect July 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on March 25, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1132 requires students in Tennessee's education savings account (ESA) and individualized education account (IEA) programs - commonly known as school voucher programs - to take the same state assessments as public school students. This includes annual administration of Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) tests for their grade level, the grade 11 college readiness exam, and three reading screeners each year for kindergarten through third grade. Assessment results must be reported to parents, and students with disabilities who would have taken alternate assessments under their IEP are exempt. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1338 requires Tennessee's Office of Research and Education Accountability (OREA) to annually report specific data about students in the Education Freedom Scholarship Program to the General Assembly by October 30. The report must include: the total number of scholarship recipients, how many have used the program for two or more years, how many were previously enrolled in public schools, and how many were first-time eligible students. This bill directly affects the scholarship program by mandating transparent data collection about its participants, and it provides legislators with annual accountability metrics. The requirement applies to the program's current school year data, with reports due starting in 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1130, the "Freedom to Read Act," replaces Tennessee's 2022 "Age-Appropriate Materials Act" and directly affects public school libraries, classroom libraries, and school boards across the state. It requires schools to keep all materials available during a review process if challenged, prohibits removal based on the creator's background or ideological disapproval, and mandates a uniform procedure for handling complaints from students, parents, or staff. School boards must adopt policies for reviewing materials based solely on age-appropriateness, not content views, and materials remain accessible until a review concludes. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, focusing on maintaining access to library materials while establishing clear review standards.

Maddy summarySB 1249 requires private schools participating in Tennessee's education savings account (voucher) programs to publish lesson plans, syllabi, and library materials on their websites. It mandates that all educators in these schools hold valid teaching licenses and requires voucher students to take state standardized tests annually (including reading screeners for K-3 and specific exams for 11th graders). Students with disabilities are exempt from certain testing requirements under their individualized education plans (IEPs). The bill directly affects participating private schools, their staff, and students using vouchers, aiming to increase accountability through transparency and standardized assessments.

Maddy summarySB 1208 would require Tennessee's Commissioner of Health to submit an annual report (instead of every other year) by November 1 to the governor, legislative leaders, and health committees. The report must detail the impact of current opioid treatment restrictions on patient care, based on input from healthcare licensing boards. This change amends multiple health-related sections of Tennessee law (Titles 8, 33, 53, 56, 63, 68, and 71). The bill failed in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee in March 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1339 extends the response time for businesses under Tennessee's data privacy law from 45 to 50 days when handling consumer requests for personal data. It specifically amends Section 47-18-3304(b)(2) of Tennessee Code to change the deadline for businesses to inform consumers of their decision to decline action on verified requests. This affects businesses that collect personal information of Tennessee residents and must comply with the Tennessee Information Protection Act. The change will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 41 is a memorial resolution honoring John Richard "Dick" Lodge, Jr., a former Tennessee attorney, public servant, and community leader. It commemorates his life and legacy, including his 47-year legal career, service as Democratic Party Chair, work in government relations, and contributions to Nashville's community and church organizations. The resolution extends condolences to his family and recognizes his dedication to public service and personal integrity. As a symbolic tribute, it does not create new laws or affect any policy.

Maddy summarySB 807 creates a new Class C misdemeanor for storing a handgun in a motor vehicle when unoccupied, requiring it to be locked in the trunk, glove box, or a securely affixed container (not visible to ordinary observation). It also mandates that handgun owners report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement within 24 hours. Violations carry only a mandatory handgun safety course as punishment - no fines or jail time. The law, effective July 2025, applies to all Tennessee handgun owners and governs both storage and reporting requirements.