Sen. Ed Jackson

Maddy summarySB 102 extends the operating authority of the Tennessee Technology Development Corporation (TTDC) until June 30, 2027, preventing its automatic termination. This bill directly affects the TTDC, which supports technology-related economic development in Tennessee. The legislation makes technical corrections to Tennessee Code (Title 4, Chapters 14 and 29) by removing outdated references and clarifying the corporation's legal status. The change ensures the TTDC can continue its existing programs without interruption.

Maddy summarySB 925 extends Tennessee's sales and use tax exemption for broadband equipment and infrastructure from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2027. The bill directly affects businesses that provide broadband services or internet access by allowing them to continue purchasing and leasing qualifying equipment without paying state sales tax. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 67-6-391 to update the exemption's end date and revises the section's title to "Tennessee broadband equipment and services exemption." The law took effect on May 9, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 560 clarifies that a parent's or guardian's economic disadvantage alone cannot be used as grounds to terminate parental rights or define a child as neglected or abused in Tennessee courts. The bill explicitly states that courts must not consider financial hardship as a factor unless reasonable material resources (like cash assistance, housing, or goods) were offered to the parent or guardian and refused. This affects parents facing juvenile court proceedings where poverty might otherwise be misinterpreted as neglect. Key provisions amend Tennessee laws in Titles 36, 37, and 39 to require courts to weigh financial hardship only after offering resources, and to define terms like "neglect" and "abuse" to exclude economic disadvantage as a sole cause. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 181 removes outdated references to Tennessee's defunct joint select committee on veterans services from state laws, affecting all government agencies that previously cited it. The bill updates the list of entities under the Tennessee Governmental Entity Review Law and revises retirement bonus rules for Public Service Commission employees. It also eliminates an expired reporting requirement, streamlining administrative processes without changing core policies. The changes are technical, focusing on modernizing statutes rather than creating new obligations.

Maddy summarySB 1202 allows bail bond companies (sureties) to ask courts to release them from financial responsibility if a defendant fails to appear in court (forfeiture). This directly affects bail bond providers and courts handling forfeiture cases. The bill requires courts to publish lists of forfeited bonds on their websites and takes effect July 1, 2025. It modifies Tennessee laws related to bail bonds to streamline the process for sureties seeking relief after a forfeiture. The change focuses on administrative clarity for courts and bond companies, without altering bail procedures for defendants.

Maddy summarySB 1239, the "End Childhood Hunger Act," changes the deadline for annual reporting related to child nutrition programs in Tennessee. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 37-2-411(a) to require state agencies to submit reports "By March 1 of each year" instead of "Each year." This adjustment provides a specific, earlier deadline for agencies administering child nutrition assistance programs. The bill directly affects state departments responsible for child welfare and food assistance programs, streamlining their reporting schedule to ensure timely program oversight. It became effective May 5, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 180 extends the effective period of certain Tennessee state agency rules. It ensures that permanent rules filed with the Secretary of State on or after January 1, 2024, which were scheduled to expire on June 30, 2025, remain in effect beyond that date. These rules stay active until changed by the agency, replaced by new rules, or superseded by new legislation. The bill directly affects state agencies responsible for rulemaking and the public subject to these regulations. It became effective May 2, 2025, as part of public chapter 307.

Maddy summarySB 1240 changes the annual certification deadline for mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities and recovery residences in Tennessee from February 15 to March 1. This directly affects providers seeking state certification under Tennessee law, requiring them to submit applications by March 1 each year instead of February 15. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee law (Titles 5, 6, 7, 13, 33, 47, 63, and 68) to implement this deadline shift. The change took effect immediately upon the governor's signature on May 8, 2025, with the new deadline applying to certifications starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1241 expands Tennessee's definition of child abuse to include children under 18 who witness another child being abused in their household or domestic violence against a family member in their home. This change directly affects minors in households experiencing abuse, as it now classifies their exposure as abuse under state law. The bill also requires that children placed in foster care due to abuse cannot be reunited with parents unless the parent follows their court-ordered plan and the child receives mental health counseling. These provisions apply to cases handled under Tennessee's child welfare system, specifically in Title 37 (child protective services) and related statutes.

Maddy summarySB 1201 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to study the challenges of building and operating reentry facilities for eligible inmates transitioning back into communities. The bill mandates the department to file an annual report by February 1 each year detailing findings from this study. This procedural bill directly affects the Department of Correction and focuses solely on gathering data to inform future reentry programming, with no immediate policy changes for inmates or communities.