Sen. John Stevens

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the mineral severance tax in Weakley County from 15 cents to 20 cents per ton on sand, gravel, clay, and other minerals extracted for commercial use. The change requires approval from a two-thirds vote of the Weakley County legislative body before it can take effect, ensuring local control over the decision. Once approved, the tax would apply to minerals as soon as they are removed from the ground and transported from the mine, regardless of where they are processed or sold. The bill also establishes that unpaid taxes would create a lien on the minerals and the mining property, taking priority over other debts.

Maddy summarySB 2185 amends Tennessee tourism laws to require certain tourism organizations to submit their annual audit reports to the legislative librarian, in addition to the governor and legislature. This procedural change affects organizations under the Department of Tourist Development that prepare annual audits. The bill modifies multiple sections of the Tennessee Code related to tourism (including Titles 2, 4, 5, and others) to update report submission requirements. It does not create new programs or alter funding, focusing solely on administrative reporting procedures.

Maddy summarySB 2187 allows Tennessee schools to temporarily deny students participation in physical activities (like recess or unstructured play) if they violate school conduct rules or display disruptive, violent, or threatening behavior. Teachers or administrators may remove students from these activities or assign alternative tasks to address behavioral issues. The bill clarifies that physical activity requirements do not include regular physical education classes or time students spend using electronic devices. This change modifies how schools handle behavioral incidents during non-PE physical activity periods, without altering standard PE class participation.

Maddy summarySB 2189 amends Tennessee law (TCA Title 49) to clarify physical activity requirements for public school students. It allows time spent in physical education classes to count toward daily activity requirements if students are physically active during class, and explicitly includes structured movement breaks as valid physical activity. The bill also permits teachers to prevent unstructured play during activity periods and assign behavior-focused activities to students. This affects all Tennessee public schools and students in grades K-12, taking effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summarySB 1460 amends the City of Erin, Tennessee's charter to update voting rules and expand the authority of its governing Board of Mayor and Aldermen. It changes the definition of "Elector" to allow non-resident property owners with at least 50% ownership of city property to vote, requiring certified proof of ownership. The bill adds new corporate powers to the Board, including contracting, borrowing funds, and appointing boards, while correcting minor errors like standardizing "four-year" and "right-of-way" in the charter. These changes directly affect Erin residents, non-resident property owners seeking voting rights, and the city's governance structure.

Maddy summarySB 1450 amends Milan's city charter to extend the deadline for filling an alderman vacancy from 30 to 60 days after a vacancy is declared. It authorizes the mayor to temporarily appoint a City Attorney or City Judge during sickness, absence, or temporary disability, pending board confirmation. The bill also requires board approval for property sales over $2,500 or real estate, while allowing the mayor to execute contracts under $10,000 without board consent. These changes directly affect Milan's local government operations, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, and city financial procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "Tennessee National Guard Servicemember's Medical Readiness Act," establishing a state program to reimburse Tennessee National Guard members for certain health insurance premiums. It specifically covers premiums paid for TRICARE Reserve Select or TRICARE Dental coverage by eligible members who are Tennessee National Guard members and qualify for those programs. The military department will administer the program, with the adjutant general setting application rules, and it will not reimburse premiums already covered by federal government payments. The program requires separate annual appropriations by the legislature and takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 861 terminates Tennessee's Human Rights Commission effective July 1, 2025, and transfers its responsibilities for addressing discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, harassment, and education to the Attorney General. The bill amends Tennessee law to require the Attorney General to handle these duties, including enforcing the Civil Rights Act of 1990 and the "Tennessee Anti-Slapp Act." It also adds a new requirement for the Attorney General to identify state laws conflicting with federal civil rights standards. This legislation directly affects the commission's staff, ongoing cases, and individuals seeking assistance with discrimination claims. The transfer takes effect on July 1, 2025, as specified in the bill.

Maddy summarySB 863 requires the Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission to create and issue specific waterfowl guide licenses for guides working at Reelfoot Lake in Lake and Obion Counties. The bill directs the Commission to develop rules ensuring guides demonstrate knowledge of Reelfoot Lake's unique features and hazards. This affects professional waterfowl guides operating at Reelfoot Lake, which is Tennessee's largest natural lake and a nationally recognized wildlife area. The policy change establishes a new licensing requirement focused on local expertise for safety and resource protection.

Maddy summarySB 655 (effective May 5, 2025) amends Tennessee law to allow a district attorney general to temporarily assign another district attorney or their assistant from a different judicial district to handle specific court cases about removing public officials. This requires the consent of the other district attorney general. The change applies only to cases under Title 8, Chapter 47 regarding officer removal proceedings. It provides flexibility for district attorneys to collaborate across districts when needed, without altering the core legal process.