Sen. Ed Jackson

Maddy summarySB 1537 extends the expiration date of the Sequatchie Valley Educational Development Agency from its previous sunset date to June 30, 2032. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections in Titles 4 and 64 to remove outdated references and explicitly include the agency in the legal framework. This is a procedural adjustment that ensures the agency’s continued operation without altering its current structure or responsibilities. The change directly affects the Sequatchie Valley Educational Development Agency, allowing it to maintain its existing programs and functions through 2032. The bill does not create new policies or funding but maintains the agency’s legal status.

Maddy summarySB 1512 extends the existence of Tennessee's Department of Agriculture until June 30, 2030, by removing an automatic termination date (sunset provision) in state law. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee Code (Title 4, Chapters 29; 3, Parts 1 and 2) to clarify the department's ongoing authority. This procedural change ensures the department continues operating without needing new legislation before 2030. The bill directly affects the Department of Agriculture and its ability to administer ongoing programs. It does not create new policies or alter existing programs, only extending the department's statutory life.

Maddy summarySB 1558 extends the Tennessee public charter school commission's authority until June 30, 2030, by amending relevant state codes. It directly affects the commission itself, which oversees public charter schools, by preventing its automatic termination. The bill makes technical updates to legal references (TCA Title 4, Chapter 29; Title 49, Chapter 13) to reflect this extension. This is a procedural change with no new policies or funding impacts.

Maddy summarySB 1617 requires Tennessee county legislative bodies to adopt formal rules of procedure within 90 days of convening a newly elected body, using a majority vote. It mandates that any subsequent changes to these rules require a two-thirds vote of the county legislative body. The bill specifies that Robert's Rules of Order will govern proceedings when local rules don't address an issue. This procedural bill directly affects all Tennessee counties' elected county legislative bodies, standardizing their internal operational rules. The legislation amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5, to establish these requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1616 expands Tennessee's disability benefits for firefighters by including arson investigators in the definition of "firefighter" under state law. Specifically, it amends Tennessee Code to clarify that arson investigators employed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) or county sheriff's departments are now covered by the presumption that cancer diagnosed during their service was caused by their job. This change directly affects these arson investigators, allowing them to qualify for disability benefits under the same provisions previously available only to traditional firefighters. The bill modifies existing statutes in Titles 7, 8, 50, and 56 to implement this expanded eligibility.

Maddy summarySB 1538 extends the existence of Tennessee's Sex Offender Treatment Board until June 30, 2034, preventing its automatic termination. This bill directly affects the board itself, which operates under Tennessee Code § 39-13-704, by setting a specific end date for its current structure. The legislation modifies Title 4, Chapter 29, Part 2, to include this extension as part of broader sunset provisions for state entities. It does not change the board's responsibilities or create new policies, only clarifies its operational timeline.

Maddy summarySB 1550 extends the operation of Tennessee's Commission on Aging and Disability until June 30, 2030, by amending two sections of Tennessee law (TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 52, Chapter 8). The bill removes an outdated reference and adds a definition for the Commission in the code, ensuring its continued legal structure. This extension directly affects the Commission's ability to operate and serve Tennesseans with aging or disability needs. The change is procedural, maintaining the Commission's existing framework without altering its programs or funding.

Maddy summarySB 1540 extends the state Alzheimer's disease and related dementia advisory council's operation until June 30, 2031, by updating Tennessee law. This bill directly affects the existing council, which advises state agencies on dementia care policies and programs. The key provision simply changes the council's expiration date in state code (TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 68, Chapter 1, Part 1) without creating new programs or funding. It is a routine procedural extension to ensure continuity of the council's work.

Maddy summarySB 1525 extends Tennessee's participation in the Interstate Compact for Supervision of Adult Offenders until June 30, 2034. This compact governs how states manage adult offenders on probation or parole who move across state lines, directly affecting Tennessee's Department of Correction and offenders relocating between states. The bill sets a specific expiration date for the current agreement (2034), requiring future action to continue or revise the arrangement. It does not alter supervision procedures but ensures the framework remains in place for the next eight years.

Maddy summarySB 1506 extends the expiration date of Tennessee's Board of Social Worker Licensure from its original sunset date to June 30, 2031. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 63, Chapter 23, specifically by removing a reference to the board's termination and adding the board's name to a relevant section. This change ensures the board continues operating without needing reauthorization until 2031, directly affecting the administrative structure overseeing social worker licensure in Tennessee. The bill passed the Senate unanimously and is now pending in the House.