Sen. Ed Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally honors Chansler Yarbrough, a student at Northside High School, for being named the 2026 Boys & Girls Club of Jackson Youth of the Year. The resolution recognizes his six years of membership at the club and celebrates his achievements as an example of leadership and community service. It directs the government to present a copy of this resolution to Mr. Yarbrough as an official commendation for his accomplishments.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally acknowledges the receipt of a ceremonial sword from the Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The bill designates the sword as the "Sword of the Tennessee Senate" and establishes the Chief Clerk as its custodian for safekeeping and display within the Senate Chamber. It further directs the Chief Clerk to recommend how the sword will be integrated into future Senate ceremonies and sessions as part of official legislative regalia.

Maddy summarySB 1803 directs Tennessee's Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance to study how neighboring states are using new insurance models to cover substance use treatment. The commissioner must use existing resources to examine these approaches and compile findings into a report by December 31, 2026. The report will include any recommendations for potential changes to Tennessee's insurance coverage policies. This bill does not create new laws or funding - it only requires a study and report to inform future legislative decisions.

Maddy summarySB 1515 extends the legal existence of Tennessee's Department of Education by delaying its automatic termination date to June 30, 2030. This procedural bill updates references to the department in Tennessee law (specifically amending TCA Sections 4-29-247 and 4-29-251) to reflect the extended sunset date. It directly affects the Department of Education by ensuring its continued operation without requiring new legislation to maintain its authority through 2030. The bill makes no changes to education policies or funding, only adjusting the legal sunset provision.

Maddy summarySB 1517 extends the operation of Tennessee's Department of Human Services until June 30, 2030, by amending state code to remove an automatic expiration date. The bill directly affects the Department of Human Services, which administers programs like Medicaid, food assistance, and child welfare services. Key provisions include deleting an existing expiration reference and adding a new definition confirming the department's structure under state law. This is a procedural extension to ensure continuity of essential social services without altering program rules or funding. The bill passed the Senate unanimously (33-0) and is now pending in the House.

Maddy summarySB 1561 extends the term of the Tennessee State University Board of Trustees until June 30, 2029, by amending Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 4-29-247 and 4-29-250. This bill directly affects the board members who govern Tennessee State University, removing an automatic expiration date and providing continued oversight. The key mechanism involves updating the legal code to specify the new termination date for the board's authority. The bill does not alter university operations or funding but ensures continuity in leadership. (Note: The bill is currently pending in the Senate committee process as of the provided actions.)

Maddy summarySB 1615 designates Lake County as Tennessee's "Eagle Capital" through a symbolic amendment to state code. This bill directly affects Lake County by officially recognizing its status as a hub for eagle conservation and tourism, highlighted by the annual Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival, over 90 eagle nests, and winter migrations. The key provision simply adds this title to state law without creating new regulations or funding. It acknowledges Lake County's economic and ecological connection to eagles, as noted in the bill's preamble about tourism and wildlife.

Maddy summarySB 1524 extends Tennessee's participation in the Interstate Compact for Juveniles until June 30, 2034. This compact is a cooperative agreement between states that helps manage juvenile offenders who cross state lines. The bill amends state law to set this new expiration date and allows the compact to be continued or reestablished after 2034. It also sets June 30, 2034, as the termination date for other state entities created in 2032.

Maddy summarySB 1730 adds three specific Tennessee governmental entities to the state's sunset review process: the Advisory Committee on Open Government, the Board of Professional Bondsmen, and the Conservatorship Management Task Force. These entities, created by prior laws, will now have automatic expiration dates unless the legislature formally reauthorizes them. The bill amends Tennessee Code to include these groups in existing sunset provisions, requiring periodic legislative review to determine if they should continue operating. This change directly affects how these three entities are managed, ensuring their continued existence depends on active legislative approval.

Maddy summarySB 2587 creates a $800 annual cash bonus for local Tennessee correctional officers who complete at least 40 hours of approved in-service training each year. The bill directly affects full-time, certified correctional officers (like jailers or deputies) employed by counties, provided they have completed 8+ months of service and the training meets specific criteria. Key provisions require counties to use the funds solely as a bonus - never to replace regular pay or salary increases - and exclude support staff or officers with dual certifications. The bonus is not counted toward future pay increases or retirement calculations, and funds are only available if specifically appropriated by the legislature. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.