Sen. John Stevens

Maddy summarySB 2418 requires Tennessee cities, counties, and other local governments to obtain approval from the state Attorney General and Reporter before signing legal contracts where attorneys are paid based on case outcomes (contingent fees). Before approval, local governments must hold public meetings explaining why external lawyers are needed, why internal staff or hourly fees won’t work, and how the contract benefits residents. The Attorney General has 90 days to approve or reject the contract, with specific reasons for denial. Contracts signed without approval could lead to court dismissal of related legal cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution honoring Tabitha Bates, a fifth-grade teacher at Dover Elementary School in Tennessee, for her selection as a 2026 Extraordinary Educator. The resolution formally recognizes her professional achievements, including her 23 years of teaching experience, her success in improving student performance using data-driven instruction, and her community work through the Panther Pantry program that provides food and essential resources to students and families. The bill does not create new laws or change policies; instead, it serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of her contributions to education and community service.

Maddy summarySB 2186 allows nonprofit healthcare organizations serving low-income individuals under Tennessee's Memphis Plan Act to submit their annual reports electronically instead of on paper. The bill amends Tennessee law (TCA Title 56, Chapter 7) to explicitly permit electronic filing by updating the reporting requirement. This change directly affects nonprofit healthcare providers that operate under the Memphis Plan Act and must file annual reports with the Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance. The key provision simply updates the filing method without altering reporting content or requirements.

Maddy summarySB 2313 amends Tennessee law to allow commissioners of utility districts in Gibson County to serve more than two consecutive terms, removing a previous restriction. This change specifically applies to counties with populations between 28,800-28,900, 42,700-42,800, or 50,400-50,500 (based on the 2020 census), which includes Gibson County. The bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated § 7-82-307(a)(2)(D) to clarify that commissioners in qualifying counties are not prohibited from serving consecutive terms beyond the two-term limit. It directly affects Gibson County utility district commissioners by expanding their eligibility for re-election without term limits.

Maddy summarySB 1735 removes a requirement that businesses provide written assurances of compliance with Tennessee's Consumer Protection Act (1977) to Davidson County courts. This change directly affects businesses that previously needed to submit such written documents for court approval. The bill also adds new prohibitions, including banning the sale of radar-jamming devices and advertising illegal products, while clarifying the attorney general's authority in consumer lawsuits. Key provisions take effect July 1, 2026, with some changes applying retroactively to ongoing cases.

Maddy summarySB 1910 updates Tennessee trust and estate law to improve privacy and streamline administration. It permits trustees to redact or seal confidential trust information in court filings without prior court approval, directly affecting beneficiaries and courts handling trust disputes. The bill raises the $100,000 threshold for certain trust actions to $250,000 and clarifies that charitable organizations named in trusts have rights similar to individual beneficiaries. It also adds protections for trustees managing closely-held businesses, shielding them from liability if they act in good faith and follow specific standards. These changes aim to reduce administrative burdens while maintaining transparency for trust participants.

Maddy summarySB 1731 expands the Tennessee state's right to immediately appeal certain early-stage court decisions. It allows the state to appeal as of right when a court: grants or modifies an injunction against the state; denies a motion to dissolve such an injunction; denies sovereign immunity or qualified immunity for state officials; or denies a motion to dismiss in cases challenging the constitutionality of state law, executive orders, or administrative rules. This change directly affects the Tennessee state government by giving it more opportunities to challenge court rulings before final judgments in specific legal contexts. The bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated § 27-1-101 to define these new appeal scenarios, making the process clearer for state attorneys.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors Drake Lehmkuhl, a Gleason High School basketball player, as the all-time leading scorer in the school's history. It recognizes his achievement of breaking a 19-year record by scoring 2,376 points during the 2025-2026 season. The resolution also acknowledges his academic success, leadership roles, and contributions to the Gleason community. No changes to laws or government operations are made; the bill serves as a formal commendation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution honors Charles A. "Charlie" Trost for completing thirty years of service as a Uniform Law Commissioner for the State of Tennessee. The resolution recognizes his extensive contributions to Tennessee's legal system, including his work drafting the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act and his leadership as Commissioner of Revenue. It serves as a formal commendation from the General Assembly and does not create any new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 2188 changes how Carroll County distributes local school funds for daily operations. It requires the county to allocate all such funds based *only* on students whose primary legal residence is in Carroll County, using a new metric called "WFTEADA" (weighted full-time equivalent average daily attendance). This specifically affects Carroll County's school districts and any virtual public schools operating within the county, as funds will no longer include students from outside Carroll County. The bill amends Tennessee education codes to implement this apportionment method, effective July 1, 2026.