Sen. Kerry Roberts

Maddy summarySB 298, now law in Tennessee, allows public schools and charter schools to offer nonsectarian, nonreligious Bible courses as academic electives. It requires local school boards or charter school governing bodies to approve these courses and mandates schools to post approved curricula online. The state must also publish a list of approved Bible courses and their academic standards on its website. This applies to all public schools and charter schools starting the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summarySB 1400 revises Tennessee's driving under the influence (DUI) laws by two key changes: it permits law enforcement officers to assist medical professionals in obtaining blood samples from drivers using reasonable force during DUI investigations, and it increases the minimum jail sentence for a first-time DUI conviction from one year to one year and six months. These provisions directly affect drivers charged with DUI, law enforcement officers conducting blood tests, and medical personnel involved in the sampling process. The blood sample provision took effect immediately upon the governor's signature on May 5, 2025, while the sentence increase will apply starting January 1, 2026. The bill does not alter DUI testing standards or expand penalties beyond these specific changes.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SJR 538) honoring Ava Beckwith, the 2025 valedictorian of Creek Wood High School in Tennessee. It formally commends her academic achievements and extracurricular involvement, extending the General Assembly's recognition and well-wishes to her personally. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy impact or effect on laws or regulations.

Maddy summarySJR 537 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Gabi Mann, the 2025 Salutatorian of Creek Wood High School, recognizing her academic achievements. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is a symbolic gesture of commendation by the Tennessee General Assembly. The resolution was formally adopted by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on May 7, 2025, with no further legislative action required. This type of resolution is standard practice for acknowledging individual accomplishments without changing legal obligations.

Maddy summarySJR 452 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Jessica Moore, the 2025 salutatorian of South Haven Christian School in Tennessee. It formally commends her academic achievements, including her high grade point average and extracurricular involvement, as recognized by her school. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's admiration for her accomplishments and extends best wishes for her future. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect or policy impact - it solely serves as a symbolic tribute to an individual student.

Maddy summarySJR 451 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Amelia Van der Hengst, the 2025 valedictorian of South Haven Christian School. It formally commends her academic achievements and expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's recognition of her success. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policies - it serves solely as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. The resolution was signed by the Governor and transmitted to the school for presentation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 462) honoring Mallory Powell, the 2025 Salutatorian of Springfield High School, for her academic achievements. It formally commends her outstanding grades, extracurricular involvement, and dedication as recognized by her school and community. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, expressing the Tennessee General Assembly's praise through a formal statement. It was finalized when the Governor signed it on May 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 448), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally honors Kathryn Porter, the 2025 Salutatorian of Dayspring Academy, recognizing her academic achievements and extracurricular involvement. The resolution was unanimously passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor on May 1, 2025, but it has no legal effect or impact on state law. It serves only as a symbolic tribute to a student's accomplishments.

Maddy summarySJR 453 is a ceremonial resolution commending Kaleigh Starnes, the 2025 salutatorian of South Haven Christian School in Tennessee, for her academic achievements. It formally honors her high school accomplishments and best wishes for her future, without creating any legal requirements or affecting policies. The resolution was unanimously adopted by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on May 1, 2025. As a symbolic gesture, it does not impose obligations or alter any laws.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Aubrey Berry, the 2025 Valedictorian of Dayspring Academy, for her academic achievements and extracurricular involvement. It is a formal commendation passed by Tennessee's General Assembly, recognizing her as an exemplary student. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it solely expresses legislative admiration. The resolution was signed by both chambers and the Governor on May 1, 2025.