Sen. John Stevens

Maddy summarySB 527 exempts pesticide manufacturers and sellers from civil lawsuits related to labeling, provided the pesticide was registered with both Tennessee's commissioner of agriculture and the EPA under federal law (FIFRA) and bore an EPA-approved label at the time of sale. The bill specifically removes liability for product safety claims tied to labeling, as long as the pesticide met all federal and state registration requirements. It does not apply if the pesticide was manufactured or sold in violation of Tennessee law or FIFRA. This change directly affects pesticide companies and could influence how product liability cases are handled in Tennessee courts.

Maddy summarySB 534 updates Tennessee trust law by establishing that beneficiaries are not automatically responsible for managing trusts (non-fiduciaries) unless specifically appointed as such. It adds electronic notice options for trust communications with consent, sets a strict 2-year deadline (or 120 days after trustee notice) for challenging a trust’s validity, and requires beneficiaries who received improper distributions to return funds. These changes directly affect trust beneficiaries, trustees, and courts handling trust disputes. The bill aims to clarify responsibilities and streamline trust administration while reducing disputes over validity.

Maddy summarySJR 228 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to commend Noelle Porterfield for her exemplary service as a legislative intern during the 2025 session. It recognizes her work assisting Senator John Stevens, her academic achievements in politics and public law at Belmont University, and her contributions to the legislative process. This resolution has no policy impact - it is a formal expression of appreciation with no binding requirements or changes to laws.

Maddy summarySB 892 increases the annual limit for background investigations requested by Tennessee's legislative leaders. It changes the law to allow the Senate and House speakers to request up to 20 background checks per year (from 15) for individuals being considered for "positions of trust and responsibility." The bill directly affects state legislators who nominate candidates for sensitive government roles. This change modifies Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 38-6-106(f) and related provisions to expand the scope of background checks for certain appointments.

Maddy summarySB 528 amends Tennessee law to require the Bureau of Parks and Conservation to designate **at least one free day annually** for all veterans at state parks, campgrounds, and golf courses - replacing the previous requirement of exactly one fixed day. This change directly affects **all veterans** in Tennessee who use state park facilities. The key provision shifts the requirement from a single, unchangeable day to a flexible annual designation, allowing the bureau to select one or more days as needed. The bill maintains that access and use of all state park amenities must remain free for veterans on the designated day(s), with no new costs or eligibility changes specified.

Maddy summarySB 893 amends Tennessee's tax code to define "heated tobacco products" (devices that heat tobacco without burning it) as a type of cigarette subject to a specific tax rate. It sets a tax of 0.15 cents per heated tobacco product cigarette, replacing the standard 3-cent rate for regular cigarettes. This directly affects manufacturers, distributors, and retailers selling these products in Tennessee. The bill clarifies that the 0.15-cent rate applies exclusively to heated tobacco products, excluding smokeless nicotine products.

Maddy summarySB 864 amends Tennessee's Uniform Commercial Code (TCA Title 47, Section 47-9-527) to change the annual reporting deadline for the Secretary of State. Specifically, it updates the date by which the Secretary must report to the governor and legislature on the filing office's operations from "February 1" to "January 15." This procedural change directly affects the Secretary of State's office and state government reporting requirements. The bill makes no substantive policy changes, only adjusting a fixed administrative deadline.

Maddy summarySB 541 requires personal representatives (like executors) to notify beneficiaries named in a will or intestate heirs (those inheriting without a will) about their right to challenge creditor claims against an estate. It adds specific procedures: beneficiaries must file exceptions to creditor claims within 30 days after the estate’s creditor notice period, and creditors can similarly challenge other creditors’ claims. The bill amends Tennessee’s probate code (TCA Titles 30 and 32) to clarify timelines for filing exceptions and defines key terms like "holographic will" and "nuncupative will." These changes directly affect estate beneficiaries, heirs, personal representatives, and creditors involved in probate disputes over unpaid debts.

Maddy summarySB 538, the "Autism Spectrum Online Protection Act," creates new protections for autistic young adults (ages 18-25) under court-appointed conservatorship. It makes it a Class A misdemeanor to use online platforms to groom, sextort, or sexually exploit this group - defined as building trust to commit abuse. The law requires online platforms to implement policies preventing such exploitation and gives conservators/families tools to monitor online safety. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 868 changes the annual registration expiration date for pesticide products from June 30 to July 15 for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. This bill directly affects pesticide registrants and manufacturers who must renew their product registrations each year. The change modifies specific sections of Tennessee law (TCA Titles 29, 43, 53, 62, and 68) to update this deadline. The bill takes effect upon becoming law.