Sen. Kerry Roberts

Maddy summarySB 1053 would allow TennCare enrollees in Part A of the Katie Beckett program (children with disabilities requiring long-term care) to access their allocated community-based care funds through health reimbursement arrangements instead of traditional service delivery. The bill requires the TennCare director to take necessary actions, including seeking federal waiver amendments, to enable this option. It directly affects families enrolled in the Katie Beckett program by expanding how they can use their state-funded care resources. The change modifies Tennessee Code Annotated § 71-5-164 to implement this flexibility in fund utilization. This is a procedural policy change focused on administrative access to existing funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that honors Charlie Becker, a college football player from Nashville, Tennessee, for his achievements with the Indiana University Hoosiers. The resolution recognizes Becker's role in helping his team win the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship, highlighting his contributions as a wide receiver and special teams player during the season. The document serves as a formal commendation rather than a law, and it does not create any new legal requirements or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally recognizes and honors Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Holly Kirby on the occasion of her retirement from the bench. The resolution acknowledges her distinguished 12-year tenure on the Tennessee Supreme Court, including her service as Chief Justice from 2023 to 2025, and highlights her career achievements such as becoming the first woman to serve on the Tennessee Court of Appeals and authoring over 1,000 judicial opinions. The bill does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute to Justice Kirby's professional accomplishments and contributions to the state's judicial system.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally honors the memory of Shipp Robbley Weems, a legal professional and public servant from Dickson, Tennessee. The resolution recognizes his career achievements, including his role in establishing Tennessee's first public defenders program and his decades of service as a public defender for multiple counties. It also acknowledges the Weems-Rezapour Scholarship for Justice and Public Service, which was created by his daughter to continue his legacy of public service. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's gratitude for his contributions to justice and offers condolences to his family.

Maddy summarySB 2637 sets a minimum age requirement for childcare staff in Tennessee, requiring anyone serving as a teacher or assistant teacher in programs for children four years old or younger to be at least 18 years old. This bill directly affects childcare providers and educators working with infants and toddlers in licensed early childhood programs. It amends Tennessee law (TCA Title 49 and Title 71) to implement this age requirement, which will take effect on July 1, 2026. The change aims to establish a baseline qualification standard for early childhood educators in state-regulated childcare settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the winner of the Miss Tennessee pageant as an official ambassador for the State of Tennessee during her one-year reign. The resolution applies to the individual crowned by the Miss Tennessee Organization, which is affiliated with the Miss America Opportunity. As an honorary and volunteer role, the designated ambassador would promote Tennessee's culture, tourism, and community initiatives at official and public events. The bill does not create new legal obligations or funding, but formally recognizes the pageant winner's role in representing the state.

Maddy summarySJR 841 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Irene Ward for her 38 years of service to the Tennessee Senate, including her roles as Senator Douglas Henry's administrative assistant and later in the Senate Clerk's office. It recognizes her retirement on August 15, 2025, and highlights her dedication, integrity, and positive impact on the legislative workplace. The resolution has no policy provisions or binding effects - it solely expresses the General Assembly's appreciation through a formal commendation. Passed unanimously (31-0) in March 2026, it is a symbolic gesture without legislative or financial implications.

Maddy summarySB 920 increases compensation for healthcare providers who perform forensic medical exams on sexual assault victims from $1,000 to $2,500 per exam, effective July 1, 2025. It also requires the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to complete DNA testing on sexual assault evidence kits within 120 days of receiving them from law enforcement, with written explanations for delays beyond that timeframe. The bill affects healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, and the Bureau of Investigation by changing payment standards and establishing new timelines for evidence processing. Kits flagged for delay must be analyzed "within a reasonable time thereafter," and the bill clarifies that delays don't affect evidence admissibility. These changes apply to exams performed and kits received on or after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 328 approves the Tennessee Supreme Court's amendments to the Rules of Appellate Procedure, which govern how appeals are processed in state courts. The resolution does not change the rules themselves but formally ratifies the court's action, making the revised procedures official. This affects appellate court procedures and the parties involved in appeals, as the updated rules will now be in effect.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 327 formally approves amendments to Tennessee's Rules of Criminal Procedure, which govern how criminal cases are handled in state courts. The resolution was passed by the Senate on March 5, 2026, following the Tennessee Supreme Court's proposed changes on January 14, 2026. These approved rules directly affect criminal defendants, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges during court proceedings. The resolution serves as a required legislative endorsement under state law, confirming the court's revisions without altering the procedural rules themselves.