Sen. Kerry Roberts

Maddy summarySB 1396 updates Tennessee's bail bond laws to allow professional bondsmen to provide and retain receipts for payments in digital format, replacing the current requirement for paper receipts. The bill directly affects licensed bail bondsmen by changing their administrative record-keeping procedures under Tennessee Code Annotated §40-11-304(a). Key provisions permit digital receipts and require digital copies of all receipts to be maintained, modernizing the process while keeping the same legal requirements. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, with no substantive changes to bail procedures or eligibility.

Maddy summarySB 2643 requires Tennessee courts to order additional parenting time for a parent who was denied visitation due to unproven abuse allegations. It specifically applies when a court finds the other parent intentionally made or participated in false abuse claims, and an investigation or protective order did not result in a finding of abuse or neglect. The additional time must match the denied visitation (e.g., weekends or holidays), cannot disrupt the child’s school, and must occur within two years of the denial. This law aims to restore lost parenting time without creating legal claims against child welfare agencies.

Maddy summarySB 1677 changes Tennessee's rules for excluding evidence in criminal cases. It limits exclusion to situations where evidence was obtained through deliberate, reckless, or grossly negligent conduct violating constitutional rights, and where refusing to exclude it would contradict a clear U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The bill also creates an immediate appeal process for prosecutors when a judge suppresses evidence, requiring the Tennessee Supreme Court to expedite such cases. This directly affects criminal defendants (who may lose evidence challenges) and prosecutors (who gain faster appeals). The law aligns Tennessee's exclusionary rule strictly with federal standards, preventing state courts from creating stricter rules.

Maddy summarySB 2648 amends Tennessee law to extend the deadline for commercial drivers to appeal a license suspension or revocation from 10 to 15 days. This change directly affects commercial drivers who receive an order suspending or revoking their license. The bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Section 55-19-108(c), updating the appeal window without altering other provisions. The law would take effect upon enactment, providing affected drivers an additional five days to file their appeal.

Maddy summarySB 1678 increases penalties for hit-and-run accidents that cause death in Tennessee. The bill requires a mandatory minimum one-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine for drivers who knew or should have reasonably known death resulted from the accident. It amends Tennessee law to reclassify such offenses as a Class E felony, applying to incidents occurring on or after July 1, 2026. This directly affects drivers who flee the scene of fatal crashes without stopping.

Maddy summarySB 2638 allows Tennessee courts to permit DUI offenders eligible for restricted licenses to use a transdermal monitoring device (a skin-based alcohol sensor) instead of being required to drive only vehicles with ignition interlock devices. The offender must cover all costs for the monitoring device and cannot receive financial assistance from the electronic monitoring indigency fund. This amendment modifies DUI sentencing procedures under Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 55-10-409 and related provisions. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of driving under the influence who qualify for restricted driving privileges.

Maddy summarySB 1401 reduces from six to four hours the maximum delay juvenile detention facilities may impose on phone calls or in-person visits for a child facing disciplinary action. The bill directly affects juveniles in Tennessee detention facilities during disciplinary proceedings. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 37-1-189(a) to require facilities to restore communication access within four hours, rather than six, after discipline is applied. This change aims to improve timely family contact for detained youth.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 583) is a ceremonial resolution honoring Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis for being named "Tennessean of the Year" by *The Tennessean* in 2025. It recognizes his decades of public service, leadership during the 2021 flood and 2025 Accurate Energetic Systems explosion, and his community-focused initiatives like mental health advocacy and holiday assistance programs. The resolution formally commends him for embodying "compassion and courage" as a public servant. As a procedural resolution, it has no policy impact beyond symbolic recognition.

Maddy summarySJR 584 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Janice Gammon of Orlinda, a former Robertson County Commissioner who served for twelve years and was instrumental in establishing the Robertson County Republican Party. The resolution expresses the Assembly's condolences to her family and recognizes her decades of public service, community involvement, and personal legacy of integrity and compassion. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic tribute to her life and contributions. The resolution was signed by both House and Senate leadership and transmitted to the Governor.

Maddy summarySJR 539 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative activist. It commemorates his life, work in the conservative movement, and his role as a youth-focused political voice. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's condolences to his family and recognizes his contributions to conservative causes. As a memorial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.