Sen. Bill Powers

Maddy summarySB 953 allows Tennessee local governments (like counties and cities) to create supplemental bridge benefits for public employees in roles with mandatory retirement ages. These benefits provide temporary income between retirement eligibility and full pension payments. The bill changes existing law by removing the requirement that such benefits be paid "annually," giving local retirement boards flexibility to set payment intervals. This policy directly affects public sector workers covered by mandatory retirement provisions, ensuring smoother financial transitions to full retirement benefits.

Maddy summaryThe bill title provided in your query (about housing) does not match the actual bill text, which is about veterans' property tax exemptions. SB 948 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 67, to require disabled veterans to provide documentation of their military service and disability to qualify for a property tax exemption. This change directly affects disabled veterans seeking the exemption, as they must now submit proof of service and disability to the relevant authority. The bill was signed by the Governor and takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 439 allows Tennessee businesses to adjust their taxable income by adding back certain deductions or subtracting specific amounts from their net earnings, as determined by the taxpayer. This change directly affects businesses calculating corporate income tax under Tennessee Code Annotated Section 67-4-2006. The bill also requires the state Department of Revenue to study the economic impact of these adjustments and report findings to lawmakers by January 2026. The bill became law as Public Chapter 343 in May 2025.

Maddy summarySB 124 requires Tennessee local education agencies to transfer a student's records - including disciplinary records - to the new school within three days of the transfer date. This amendment to Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, establishes a specific time frame for record transfers when students change schools. The law directly affects students, parents, and school districts by ensuring timely access to complete records during transitions. The requirement became effective April 11, 2025, following the bill's gubernatorial signing.

Maddy summarySB 946 requires Tennessee public school districts (LEAs) to notify parents and guardians within 24 hours if they report a credible threat of violence or disruptive behavior at a school to law enforcement. The law applies directly to families of students enrolled in affected schools when LEAs receive such threats from sources like threat assessment teams. Schools must use existing communication methods (e.g., email, mail) to share the same threat details reported to police. This policy aims to ensure parents are informed about safety concerns at their children’s schools shortly after law enforcement is notified.

Maddy summarySB 811, the "Teen Social Media and Internet Safety Act," requires Tennessee public schools to teach social media safety to students in grades 6-12 starting in the 2026-2027 school year. It mandates curriculum covering mental health impacts, cyberbullying identification, safe usage practices, and evaluating AI-generated misinformation, while allowing limited parental opt-outs for instruction. Schools must also block student social media access during school hours except for teacher-approved educational use beginning in 2025-2026. The bill directly affects all public schools and charter schools serving grades 6-12, with curriculum developed by the state education department by 2026.

Maddy summarySJR 381 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Anthony Joseph Krantz, the 2025 valedictorian of Kenwood High School, for his academic achievements. The resolution, passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor on April 24, 2025, commends his dedication to excellence and extends well-wishes for his future. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect policies - it solely recognizes an individual student’s accomplishment.

Maddy summarySJR 378 is a ceremonial resolution commending Riley McCormick for his service as a legislative intern during the 2025 session of Tennessee's General Assembly. It recognizes his work supporting Senator Bill Powers, noting his Vanderbilt University background and contributions to the legislative process. The resolution formally expresses the General Assembly's appreciation for his "exemplary service" and extends "best wishes for every future success." As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect or policy changes - only symbolic recognition.

Maddy summarySJR 392 is a formal commendation resolution honoring Madison Schwartz, the 2025 salutatorian of Rossview High School. It directly recognizes her academic achievements, including her high grade point average and extracurricular involvement, without creating any new laws or policies. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's admiration for her accomplishments and extends best wishes for her future. As a symbolic gesture, it has no binding effect or impact beyond public recognition.

Maddy summarySJR 383 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Riley Walker, the 2025 valedictorian of Kirkwood High School in Tennessee. It formally commends his academic achievements, including his high grade point average and extracurricular involvement, and extends the General Assembly's best wishes for his future. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a public recognition of his accomplishments. It was signed by the Governor on April 24, 2025, completing its ceremonial process. This resolution directly affects Riley Walker by publicly acknowledging his academic success.