Sen. John Stevens

Maddy summarySB 532 amends Tennessee law to allow counties that have adopted the County Sheriff's Civil Service Act of 1974 to rescind that adoption. Specifically, it permits a county legislative body to end this adoption with a two-thirds vote, rather than requiring the previous process. This directly affects counties that previously implemented the 1974 civil service law for sheriff's offices. The bill, effective April 24, 2025, modifies TCA Title 8, Chapter 8, Part 4, without changing the underlying civil service framework. It provides counties with a new procedural option to opt out of the sheriff's civil service system.

Maddy summarySB 1433 repeals Chapter 158 of Tennessee's 1961 Private Acts, which was an outdated law governing a specific nursing home in Henry County. The bill requires Henry County's legislative body to approve the repeal by a two-thirds vote before it takes effect, and this approval must be formally certified to the state. This is a procedural change to remove obsolete legislation, directly affecting Henry County's local approval process but not altering any current nursing home operations or policies.

Maddy summarySB 542 requires Tennessee's state retirement system (TCRS) and local government pension plans to sell investments in companies majority-owned by China (as defined by publicly available information), including entities tied to the Chinese government or military. It mandates annual reviews by January 15 to identify such "restricted investments" and requires full divestment by December 31 each year, or a written plan if immediate divestment isn't feasible. The law applies specifically to direct holdings (securities held directly by pension funds) and includes protections against civil liability for officials following the policy. This affects TCRS and all local political subdivision pension plans under Tennessee law.

Maddy summarySB 529 amends Tennessee's Consumer Protection Act to expand the definition of deceptive practices to include "unfair" practices. It adds new prohibitions against advertising or selling radar jamming devices and requires specific font and placement for disclosures about free government services. The bill also clarifies that certain violations now constitute violations of the Consumer Protection Act and modifies discovery procedures for Attorney General enforcement actions. These changes directly affect businesses selling consumer products, particularly radar-related technology, and entities offering services that could be provided for free by government.

Maddy summarySB 1436 changes the governance of Henry County Hospital District by requiring the Henry County Commission to appoint 3-7 trustees (including two county commissioners) instead of the previous structure. It establishes staggered four-year terms for trustees and allows the commission to recall trustees. The bill also reduces the frequency of board meetings from monthly to quarterly, requiring meetings at least once every three months. These changes directly affect the hospital district's board operations and county oversight.

Maddy summarySJR 348 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the Greenfield High School Lady Yellowjackets girls' basketball team for winning the 2025 TSSAA Division I, Class 1A state championship. It formally commends the team's 30-6 season record and championship victories, including their 49-46 win over Van Buren in the title game. The resolution specifically recognizes the players, coaches, and community support that contributed to their success. As a commemorative measure, it has no binding effect or policy changes - it is solely a symbolic gesture of praise.

Maddy summarySJR 349 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the Westview High School girls' basketball team for winning the 2025 TSSAA Division I, Class 2A state championship. It specifically recognizes their third title in four years (including prior wins in 2022 and 2023) and a 33-1 season record, including championship game victory over York Institute. The resolution commends the team, coaches, and community support without creating any new laws or policy changes. As a non-binding tribute, it directly affects only the honored team and has no practical impact on legislation or regulations.

Maddy summarySB 531 requires the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to classify individuals required to register as sexual offenders under Tennessee law into specific categories: sexual offender, violent sexual offender, violent juvenile sexual offender, or an "offender against children." The TBI may use investigative reports, court records, prosecutorial files, or other credible information to determine these classifications. The bill mandates that the TBI notify each offender of their assigned category. This applies directly to registered offenders under Tennessee Code Annotated sections 40-39-202 or 40-39-203(a)(2).

Maddy summarySB 1051 creates new requirements for Tennessee online notaries. To qualify, applicants must complete a state-approved course covering notarial laws, online technology procedures, and ethics, then pass an exam. They must also provide a certification confirming they understand and will follow all relevant rules. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, directly affecting individuals seeking online notary commissions.

Maddy summarySB 862 requires metals recycling facilities in Tennessee to post a visible notice about transferring dangerous materials at every public entrance, rather than just in a general conspicuous location. This change directly affects all metals recycling facilities that accept materials from the public. The bill amends Tennessee Code § 39-17-1403 to specify that the notice must be readily visible to individuals selling materials at each entrance. The law will take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed.