Sen. Bill Powers

Maddy summarySB 1684 expands Tennessee's definition of a "disabled driver" to include people in their second or third trimester of pregnancy or those with a pregnancy certified as high-risk by a physician. This change directly affects pregnant individuals seeking eligibility for disabled driver placards, which provide parking privileges. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Chapter 21, by adding a new definition under Section 55-21-102(3) to include these pregnancy-related conditions. The policy change allows qualifying pregnant people to obtain disabled placards under the same criteria currently used for other medical disabilities.

Maddy summarySB 1488 requires any flag flown over Tennessee's state capitol building to be displayed at half-staff from sunrise to sunset every December 7, in observance of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. This bill directly affects the state capitol's flag display protocol, amending Tennessee Code Annotated Section 4-1-406 to add this annual requirement. The key provision mandates the half-staff observance specifically for the capitol building, not all public buildings or flags statewide. The law would take effect upon becoming law, with no additional funding or enforcement mechanisms specified.

Maddy summarySB 1666 exempts family child care homes operating under a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) certificate from Tennessee's state licensing requirements, provided they serve only eligible military families as defined by federal regulations (32 CFR 79.3). The bill amends Tennessee law to clarify that these homes - certified by the DoD to serve military personnel - do not need state licensure or exemptions to operate legally. This change specifically applies to family child care providers meeting the federal DoD criteria, directly affecting military-connected child care providers. The exemption takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2443 restricts unmanned traffic cameras near school zones to operate only when warning flashers are active or when children are present (if no flashers exist). It directly affects school zones and traffic enforcement systems in Tennessee by limiting camera use to specific times of heightened student activity. The bill amends Tennessee law to require cameras to function solely during these designated periods, rather than continuously within school zone boundaries. This change focuses on aligning camera enforcement with actual student presence or active safety measures.

Maddy summarySB 2051 adds Western Governors University (WGU) to the list of eligible institutions for tuition reimbursement under Tennessee's STRONG Act, which supports active members of the Tennessee National Guard. The bill amends the law to include WGU in the definition of "educational institution" for competency-based programs meeting specific criteria, such as regional accreditation, a Tennessee physical presence, and a state partnership. This directly affects National Guard members who wish to attend WGU and qualify for tuition reimbursement under the STRONG program. The bill does not change existing eligibility rules, credit limits, or academic requirements for the program.

Maddy summarySJR 559 is a Tennessee legislative resolution urging the U.S. Congress to pass the ED ACCESS Act of 2022. This federal bill would remove a ban preventing students with felony drug convictions from accessing the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC), a key federal tax credit for college costs. The resolution cites research showing correctional education programs reduce recidivism and argues that denying the AOTC makes college less affordable for this group without deterring drug crime, noting similar restrictions don’t apply to other felonies. It does not change current law but formally supports federal action to address this policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally recognizes Christopher Scott Garber as the 2026 Valedictorian of Montgomery Central High School in Tennessee. The resolution honors his academic excellence and extracurricular achievements, expressing the state legislature's commendation for his outstanding high school performance. It directs that a copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation to Garber, with specific formatting instructions for the document. This is a ceremonial measure with no changes to laws or policies, serving only to acknowledge the student's accomplishments.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors Grant Johnson, the 2026 Salutatorian of Kenwood High School, for his academic achievements. The resolution formally recognizes his outstanding grade point average, diligent study habits, and participation in extracurricular activities during his high school career. It expresses the General Assembly's commendation and best wishes for his future success without creating any new laws or policies. The measure is a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a legislative action that changes existing rules or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally honors Grace Ann Hanna, the 2026 valedictorian of Northwest High School in Tennessee, for her academic excellence. The resolution recognizes her high grade point average, dedication to study, and participation in extracurricular activities during her high school career. It directs the General Assembly to commend her achievement and prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to her. The measure does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of a student's accomplishments.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally honors Kenneth Joseph Reece, the 2026 Salutatorian of Montgomery Central High School in Tennessee. The resolution recognizes his outstanding academic achievement, high grade point average, and successful participation in extracurricular activities during his high school career. It directs the General Assembly to commend Mr. Reece for his academic excellence and extends well wishes for his future success. The document also specifies that a copy of the resolution will be prepared for presentation to the student, excluding certain formal clauses.