Sen. John Stevens

Maddy summarySB 1908, the "Tennessee Private Property Vesting Rights of 2026," requires public entities (like cities or counties) to pay property owners just compensation when new land use regulations reduce a property's fair market value. It exempts regulations related to public health/safety (e.g., building codes), federal requirements, or common nuisances. Property owners must submit a written demand within three years of the regulation's enactment and can choose either compensation or a modification of the regulation. This applies to properties acquired after the regulation's adoption, not to pre-existing rules.

Maddy summarySJR 821 is a symbolic resolution honoring the McKenzie High School Rebels football team for finishing as runner-up in the TSSAA Division I, Class A state championship. It commends their 13-2 season record, leadership under head coach Keith Hodge, and community support without creating any legal requirements or policy changes. The resolution specifically recognizes the team's athletic achievements and character, as noted in the bill's "whereas" clauses. It was unanimously adopted by both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly. This is a commemorative gesture with no direct impact on laws, regulations, or affected parties beyond the team's recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Graham Simpson, a Westview High School quarterback, for being named the 2025 Tennessee Titans Mr. Football for Division 1-3A. It recognizes his record-breaking high school football season, including leading his team to an undefeated state championship, setting state records for passing yards (566) and touchdowns (7) in the title game, and amassing 7,700 career passing yards. The resolution is purely ceremonial and does not create any new laws or affect any policies. It was unanimously adopted by both legislative chambers.

Maddy summarySJR 816 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Phil Rogers upon his retirement as principal of South Gibson High School. It recognizes his 16-year tenure as principal, his 30+ year career in Tennessee education (including roles as teacher, coach, and administrator), and his service to students and staff. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Tennessee Senate (32-0) and House (93-0) in March 2026. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or policy impact - it solely expresses legislative appreciation for Rogers' career.

Maddy summarySJR 818 is a non-binding legislative resolution that commends Vaughn Bounds, a Dresden High School sophomore, for winning the 2025 TSSAA Class A Boys' Cross Country Individual Championship. It honors his championship time (16:18:79), his role in Dresden High's first dual state titles in one year, and his additional All-State track achievements. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, expressing the General Assembly's recognition of his athletic accomplishments. It was adopted unanimously by both chambers in March 2026.

Maddy summarySJR 819 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Hudson McDaniel, a Dresden High School freshman, for winning the 2025 TSSAA Class A Girls' Cross Country Individual Championship. It specifically recognizes her championship victory (with a time of 19:12) and her role as part of Dresden High School's first dual state championship team. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely commemorative, expressing legislative commendation for her athletic achievement and community pride. It directly affects Hudson McDaniel by formally recognizing her accomplishment through a state legislative resolution.

Maddy summarySJR 822 is a formal commendation resolution honoring the Westview High School girls' soccer team for winning the 2025 TSSAA Division I-A state championship. It directly recognizes the team's athletic achievements, including their 15-3-1 season record, undefeated state tournament performance (scoring 18 goals while allowing zero), and sportsmanship. The resolution, adopted unanimously by both chambers, serves as a ceremonial tribute with no binding policy changes or direct impact on legislation or regulations. It does not affect any laws, programs, or individuals beyond this symbolic recognition.

Maddy summarySJR 820 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Abigail Wallace, a McKenzie High School student and runner-up in the 2025 TSSAA Class A Girls' Cross Country Individual Championship. It formally congratulates her achievement and recognizes her as an ambassador for Tennessee through her athletic excellence. This resolution has no policy impact - it is a symbolic gesture with no funding, legal requirements, or direct effects on laws or regulations. It was unanimously adopted by both the Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives.

Maddy summarySB 2182 requires court clerks to provide the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) with a written notification about the final outcome of criminal cases involving violent felonies when a DNA sample was collected. This applies specifically to cases where a person has been charged with a violent felony and a biological specimen (like a DNA swab) was taken for analysis. The bill amends existing law to change the notification method from unspecified formats to a mandatory written submission, ensuring the TBI receives consistent, documented updates. The TBI uses this information to maintain its DNA database for law enforcement purposes, such as matching DNA evidence to unsolved cases.

Maddy summarySB 2290 simplifies probate for small estates in Tennessee by allowing individuals to handle the process without a lawyer if the estate consists solely of life insurance policies (totaling $15,000 or less) intended for the decedent's burial, funeral, or final expenses. The bill requires courts to provide a standard form for these filings and clarifies that filers act as individuals - not legal representatives - to settle priority debts. This change reduces administrative barriers and costs for families managing minimal estate assets. It directly affects residents handling small estates with life insurance policies as the sole asset.