Sen. Ed Jackson

Maddy summarySJR 696 is a ceremonial resolution formally honoring the members of the 168th Military Police Battalion, Tennessee Army National Guard, for their service during the Joint Task Force-Southern Border mission. It recognizes their specific contributions, including over 14,000 security operations, counter-unmanned aerial system engagements, and coordination with federal and international partners along the U.S.-Mexico border. This resolution does not create new laws or policies - it is purely a symbolic gesture of commendation, directly affecting the battalion members and their families by formally acknowledging their service. The resolution passed unanimously in both chambers and is now awaiting the Governor's signature.

Maddy summarySB 1614 requires Tennessee state and local criminal justice agencies (like police departments, courts, and corrections) to share specific criminal justice data - including personal details like race, age, and arrest records - with approved researchers. The bill mandates sharing data on stops, arrests, sentencing, and corrections programs, but only to researchers who meet strict criteria (e.g., institutional review board approval and security protocols to protect privacy). Agencies cannot charge more than actual costs for data access, and this sharing does not count as public disclosure under existing laws. The law takes effect in 2026, with agencies required to implement it by 2027.

Maddy summarySJR 350 is a symbolic resolution designating May 2025 as "Tennessee Shelter Animal Awareness Month." It recognizes the importance of shelter adoptions in helping Tennessee shelters achieve a 90% save rate for animals, encouraging Tennesseans to adopt from shelters rather than purchase pets. The resolution promotes awareness of shelter animal welfare and existing lifesaving programs like foster networks and community cat programs. As a commemorative measure, it has no legal effect or new requirements - it simply declares a month of recognition for animal welfare efforts.

Maddy summarySB 2588 extends the time a county clerk must send notice to mineral interest owners about potential abandonment. Specifically, it increases the deadline from 10 calendar days to 10 business days after receiving a complaint. The notice, sent by certified mail, informs owners their mineral rights (rights to extract minerals beneath land) will lapse 60 days after a weekly newspaper publication for three weeks in their county. This bill directly affects mineral interest owners in Tennessee by providing more time to respond before their rights expire.

Maddy summarySB 2117 amends Tennessee's TRICOR program to explicitly allow state prisons to operate commissary programs (stores selling goods to inmates) alongside product sales, directly affecting Tennessee state prisons and the TRICOR program. The bill changes TRICOR's mission statement to include "operation of commissary programs" as a revenue source to offset incarceration costs, replacing previous language about only product sales. Key provisions require TRICOR to run these commissaries under "free enterprise" principles, without conflicting with other laws. This policy change shifts how prisons generate revenue, moving beyond solely selling products to also managing inmate commissaries.

Maddy summarySB 2612 changes Tennessee law to require licensed polygraph examiners and companies to notify the commissioner of commerce and insurance within 21 days of changing their business address, instead of the current 30-day period. This applies directly to businesses and professionals holding polygraph examiner licenses under Tennessee Code Titles 62 and 63. The bill amends existing licensing regulations to shorten the notification timeframe for address changes. It takes effect upon becoming law.

Maddy summarySB 1729 requires Tennessee's governor to forward proposed legislation to the chairs of government operations committees in both the Senate and House whenever state departments transfer responsibilities between them. This applies during the first regular legislative session following such a transfer. The bill mandates that the proposed legislation must revise state law to reflect changes made through executive orders. It is a procedural requirement affecting state department reorganizations and legislative committee review processes, with no direct impact on citizens or new policy outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the State Energy Policy Council's operation until June 30, 2027, by removing an existing expiration date. It directly affects the council's ongoing work to advise on energy policy, without changing its responsibilities or membership. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections related to the council's structure and references, ensuring its continued function through the new end date. (Procedural bill; summary limited to key operational change.)

Maddy summarySB 1529 extends the expiration date of Tennessee's Local Government Planning Advisory Committee to June 30, 2027. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 4-29-247 and 4-29-248 to update the committee's sunset date, replacing its previous expiration. This extension ensures the committee - which advises local governments on planning matters - continues operating without requiring new legislation before 2027. The change directly affects the committee’s ongoing operations and the local governments relying on its guidance.

Maddy summarySB 186 increases state payments to counties for housing convicted felons by raising the accreditation stipend per inmate. This directly affects counties that operate local jails or hold inmates under state supervision. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections (including Titles 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 29, 38, 39, 40, and 41) to implement this payment increase. The change became law on June 4, 2025, after passing through legislative committees.