Sen. Ed Jackson

Maddy summarySB 2584 requires qualified data centers in Tennessee seeking job tax credits to electronically certify they have not violated the WARN Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, or federal immigration laws in the past year. This applies directly to data centers applying for state tax credits under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 67, Chapter 6. The bill adds a provision allowing this certification to be submitted electronically, streamlining the application process. It does not change the underlying labor or immigration requirements but modifies how compliance is verified for tax credit eligibility. The bill focuses on administrative procedures for tax credit applicants rather than altering labor laws themselves.

Maddy summarySB 1938 increases the penalty for violating a lifetime order of protection from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony under specific circumstances. This applies when the violation occurs after a conviction for an offense involving force against a victim (such as assault) that led to the lifetime order. The bill also requires prison sentences for such violations to be served consecutively to other sentences for the same incident, though judges may allow concurrent sentences in some cases. The law would take effect on July 1, 2026, and affects individuals convicted of violent offenses who later violate lifetime protective orders.

Maddy summarySB 185 establishes minimum (100%) and maximum (120%) reimbursement rates for rural hospitals providing routine inpatient services to TennCare enrollees. It directly affects rural hospitals defined as those with 49 or fewer beds located in non-urban census areas. The bill requires these rates to be based on each hospital's current Medicare reimbursement rates for the federal fiscal year, rather than a fixed formula. The legislation is pending review by the Senate Finance Committee and has not yet become law.

Maddy summarySB 330 amends Tennessee law to add the legislative librarian as a recipient of annual reports from the commissioner of correction. These reports detail transactions at state correctional facilities and are currently sent only to the general assembly. The bill makes a technical change to Section 41-1-114 of the Tennessee Code, requiring the commissioner to include the legislative librarian in the distribution list. This procedural update affects who receives the reports but does not change correction policies or funding.

Maddy summarySB 210 establishes separate reimbursement rates for rural and urban ambulance services under Tennessee's TennCare program. Rural ambulance providers will receive 100% of Medicare's allowable charge for services to TennCare recipients, while urban providers receive 67.5%. The bill also authorizes emergency medical services equipment grants for for-profit rural ambulance providers. It defines "rural" and "urban" areas using federal standards (per 42 CFR 414.605) to determine service locations. This directly affects ambulance service providers operating in rural versus urban areas and ensures TennCare covers their services at these adjusted rates.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally commends Jasmine Heard for her exemplary service as a legislative intern to Senator Ed Jackson. The document highlights her professional contributions, including her organizational skills and academic achievements, while noting her aspirations to attend law school. As a ceremonial measure, the resolution does not alter any laws or policies but serves to recognize Heard's specific efforts during the 2026 legislative session.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution for its 135th anniversary while coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American Independence. The bill recognizes the organization's long history of civic service, including donating thousands of flags to schools, maintaining Revolutionary War gravesites, and supporting veterans and new citizens. It also acknowledges the many public servants and military leaders descended from the society's founding members. The resolution serves as a formal commendation of the group's contributions to patriotism and history preservation rather than establishing new laws.

Maddy summarySB 477 expands Tennessee's compensation program to cover individuals wrongfully imprisoned whose charges were dismissed after sentences were vacated under specific statutes (such as §40-30-102 or §40-26-105), not just those exonerated through traditional means. It allows these individuals to file claims with the Board of Claims within one year of dismissal, including those affected before the law's enactment. Surviving spouses and children can now file claims on behalf of deceased wrongfully imprisoned people, with payments distributed equally among surviving family members according to specified rules. The bill amends Tennessee Code §9-8-108 to implement these changes.

Maddy summarySB 1497 extends the expiration date of Tennessee's Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact to June 30, 2034. This allows Tennessee-licensed audiologists and speech-language pathologists to practice across state lines without reapplying for licenses in participating states. The bill amends Tennessee law to set a new termination date for the compact, ensuring continuity for professionals who work in multiple states. It does not create new regulations but maintains existing interstate practice agreements.

Maddy summarySB 1500 extends the existence of Tennessee's Board of Dentistry until June 30, 2031, by amending Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 4-29-247 and 4-29-252. The bill removes an outdated reference (subdivision (5) in Section 4-29-247) and adds a new reference to the Board of Dentistry's creation (Section 4-29-252). This procedural update ensures the board's legal authority continues without requiring new legislation before 2031. The bill directly affects the Board of Dentistry and its regulatory oversight of dental professionals in Tennessee.