Sen. Kerry Roberts

Maddy summarySJR 85 is a commemorative resolution honoring four Tennessee brothers - Thomas Harvel, Ernest Melvin, Arie Gafford, and Arthur Preston Donaldson - who served simultaneously in the U.S. military during the Korean War (a record for that conflict). The resolution commends their service after they were posthumously awarded South Korea’s Ambassador for Peace Medal in August 2024 for their contributions to peace. It directly affects the Donaldson family and Dickson County, Tennessee, by formally recognizing their legacy. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or alter policies.

Maddy summarySB 1397 requires lobbyists in Tennessee to submit special disclosure forms if they represent "foreign adversaries" (countries on Commerce Department lists) or "Chinese military companies" (companies on Defense Department blacklists). The forms mandate lobbyists affirm they are voluntarily lobbying for these entities and acknowledge specific U.S. government concerns about China's strategic goals. Violations carry $50,000 civil penalties per day, with a maximum of 20 violations per year. This law applies directly to lobbyists working for foreign governments or designated Chinese military companies within Tennessee.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how funds are managed within Tennessee's K-12 mental health endowment trust. Specifically, it requires that $75 million be moved from the main endowment account to a special reserve account for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. The legislation also updates the rules for how the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services plans spending and clarifies that trustees do not decide how the reserve funds are used. These changes affect the state's mental health funding structure by altering the balance between the primary endowment and the special reserve.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new annual privilege tax for motor vehicles owned by residents of Cheatham County, excluding farm equipment and state-maintained roads. The tax requires vehicle owners to pay specific fees based on their vehicle type, such as $50 for passenger cars and varying amounts for different truck classes, with exemptions for disabled veterans, wheelchair users, and certain government vehicles. Collected by the county clerk alongside state registration fees, the revenue is distributed to fund local schools, education debt service, and highway maintenance. The legislation also repeals previous private acts that had authorized similar taxes in the county.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the operational sunset date for the Tennessee Department of General Services to June 30, 2026. It achieves this by amending state statutes to officially recognize the department's creation and update its expiration timeline in the legal code. The change ensures the agency continues to function without interruption until the new end date is reached.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new fourth division for the circuit court in Tennessee's 23rd judicial district, effective September 1, 2024. The governor will appoint a judge to lead this new division to serve until September 1, 2026, or until a successor is elected. Qualified voters in the district will then elect a judge for this division at the August 2026 general election, who will serve an eight-year term starting in 2027. These changes are designed to expand judicial capacity within the existing district structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Tennessee laws regarding occupational licensing to clarify how the state verifies citizenship or work authorization for applicants seeking professional or commercial licenses. It requires most applicants to prove they are U.S. citizens or authorized to work through the federal SAVE system, while allowing specific exceptions for those with certain student or visa applications related to medical and alcohol beverage commissions. Additionally, the legislation changes the timeline for temporary medical licensees, granting them full, unrestricted medical licenses two years after starting practice rather than requiring a longer period of temporary status. These changes directly affect individuals applying for professional licenses and temporary medical practitioners in Tennessee.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors Caroline Grace Moles, the 2024 valedictorian of Greenbrier High School, for her outstanding academic achievements. It formally commends her excellence in the classroom and participation in extracurricular activities while wishing her well for her future. The resolution serves as a public recognition of her success and is intended to be presented to her as a symbol of pride for her family, school, and community.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution honors Elizabeth Michelle Adcock, the 2024 Salutatorian of Springfield High School, for her outstanding academic performance. The measure formally commends her high grade point average and participation in extracurricular activities while expressing good wishes for her future. It directs the state clerk to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to Adcock and her family. Once signed by the Governor, the document serves as an official state recognition of her achievement.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution honors Cameron Scott Connor, the 2024 Salutatorian of Springfield High School, for his outstanding academic performance. The bill formally recognizes his high grade point average and participation in extracurricular activities during his high school career. It directs the General Assembly to commend Mr. Connor and present a copy of the resolution to him as a gesture of appreciation for his achievements.