Sen. Ed Jackson

Maddy summarySB 280 provides legal immunity to Tennessee law enforcement officers who cause property damage or personal injury during official duties, if the injured person was convicted of resisting arrest (under §39-16-602) at the time of the incident. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of resisting arrest, as it prevents them from filing civil lawsuits against officers for injuries or damage sustained during the arrest. Key provisions include exceptions for gross negligence or willful misconduct by officers, and the immunity does not apply to bystanders or others not convicted of resisting arrest. This law changes civil liability standards by shielding officers from lawsuits in specific cases where the injured party was engaged in conduct leading to a resisting arrest conviction.

Maddy summarySJR 413 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late James W. "Jim" Ayers, a Tennessee businessman and philanthropist who founded FirstBank and established The Ayers Foundation. The resolution, passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor, formally commemorates Ayers' life and legacy, including his contributions to banking, education, and rural communities. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it serves solely as a symbolic tribute recognizing Ayers' impact, including his support for over 20,000 students and institutions like Vanderbilt University. The resolution was enacted on May 2, 2025, following approval by both legislative chambers.

Maddy summarySB 279 defines "working day" for Tennessee state and local government employees who are reserve military members called to active duty. It specifies that a "working day" means the number of hours an employee is scheduled to work in a 24-hour period. This change directly affects government employees serving in reserve components of the U.S. military when activated, clarifying how their military leave and compensation are calculated. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 8, Chapter 33, and became effective April 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the operation of Tennessee's Department of Financial Institutions until June 30, 2029, by amending specific sections of state law (Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapters 29 and 3). It makes technical corrections to legal references, including removing a repealed subdivision and adding a definition for the department's creation. The bill does not alter the department's regulatory authority or create new policies - it simply ensures the department continues operating under existing law. The extension applies directly to the Department of Financial Institutions and its ongoing regulatory functions.

Maddy summarySB 65 extends the operation of Tennessee's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services until June 30, 2029, by amending specific sections of state law. The bill removes an automatic expiration date (sunset provision) for the department, ensuring its continued funding and operations. This change directly affects the department's ability to provide mental health and substance abuse services across the state. The legislation modifies Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapters 29 and 3, to reflect this extension.

Maddy summarySB 63 extends the expiration date of Tennessee's Department of Economic and Community Development to June 30, 2029, by amending Tennessee Code Annotated sections in Title 4, Chapters 29 and 3. This change removes an existing sunset provision and updates the department's operational timeline without altering its responsibilities or funding. The bill ensures the department can continue its current functions - such as economic development programs and community initiatives - through 2029 without requiring new legislation. It was signed into law on April 24, 2025, and took effect immediately.

Maddy summarySB 92 extends the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) through June 30, 2029, by removing its automatic expiration date in state law. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections related to TEMA’s legal definition and operational framework, specifically updating references in Titles 4 and 58. This procedural change ensures TEMA continues operating without interruption, directly affecting how the agency manages state emergency response systems. The extension does not alter TEMA’s existing duties or funding but prevents it from sunsetting under current law.

Maddy summarySB 76 extends the existence of Tennessee's Local Government Planning Advisory Committee until June 30, 2026. This procedural bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 4-29-246 and 4-29-247 to remove outdated references and formally recognize the committee's role under Section 4-3-727. The change directly affects local governments that rely on this committee for planning guidance, ensuring its continued operation without new policy requirements. The bill was signed into law on April 24, 2025, with no additional funding or regulatory changes.

Maddy summarySB 88 extends the legal existence of Tennessee's Bureau of Investigation (TBI) until June 30, 2029, preventing its automatic termination. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee law (Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 38, Chapter 6) to update the TBI's statutory framework and remove a sunset provision. This change directly affects the TBI, ensuring its continued operation as a state law enforcement agency. The bill became effective April 24, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 101 extends the term of the Tennessee Technological University Board of Trustees until June 30, 2030, by removing an existing expiration date in the law. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 4-29-246 and 4-29-251 to eliminate a 2025 sunset provision and establish a new 2030 expiration. This change directly affects the university's governing board, ensuring its continued operation without requiring reauthorization. The bill was signed into law on April 24, 2025, and is now effective.