Sen. Page Walley

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 306 honors Shannon Parson, a Summertown Elementary School teacher, for being named the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. The resolution formally recognizes her dedication, teaching excellence, and positive impact on students in Tennessee. It does not create new policy or affect any laws - only serves as a ceremonial tribute from the Tennessee Senate. The resolution passed unanimously and was signed by the Senate Speaker on February 27, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2698 revises the charter of the Town of Stanton by updating its general powers under Chapter 142 of the Private Acts of 1990. It specifically revises Section 5 to clarify the town's authority to levy taxes, issue bonds, manage public utilities, and grant utility service contracts (franchises) for up to 25 years. The bill directly affects Stanton residents, local officials, and utility providers by modernizing how the town governs municipal finances and public services. Key provisions include streamlining tax classification rules, maintaining existing debt issuance powers, and preserving franchise terms for utility services. This is a procedural charter amendment specific to Stanton, not a statewide policy change.

Maddy summarySB 1811 creates the Tennessee Assessor of Property Certification Board to review qualifications for county assessor positions. The board, composed of five appointed members (including representatives from the comptroller, secretary of state, and real estate commissions), must certify candidates' qualifications before they can appear on ballots or be appointed. Candidates must submit required evidence to the board 14 days before qualifying deadlines for elections or 64 days before election dates for write-in candidates. This bill directly affects individuals seeking election or appointment as county assessors of property across Tennessee.

Maddy summarySB 1494 amends Tennessee law to require local school districts to establish alternative schools for students suspended for more than 10 days or expelled in grades 1-5 and 6-12. This changes the previous requirement (which included grades 1-6 for lower grades) by moving sixth grade into the upper grade category (6-12), explicitly requiring that sixth grade students facing such disciplinary actions attend an alternative school if space and staff are available. The bill directly affects Tennessee school districts and sixth grade students who receive suspensions exceeding 10 days or expulsions. It makes no changes to suspension policies but reclassifies grade levels for alternative school requirements.

Maddy summarySB 840 creates two new state treasury accounts to redirect excess lottery funds: a "K-12 lottery capital outlay special account" for school building projects and an "early learning program account" for pre-K programs. Funds exceeding $250 million annually in the lottery for education account are split equally between these accounts. The comptroller will administer annual grants to local school districts based on student enrollment, requiring funds to supplement - never replace - existing education budgets for facility upgrades or pre-K operations. Unspent funds carry forward yearly, and interest on these accounts stays within the accounts.

Maddy summaryThis commemorative resolution honors Andrew Johnson, a Chester County High School teacher, for being named the 2025-2026 Chester County Schools District Level Teacher of the Year for Grades 9-12. It recognizes his dedication to education, professional excellence, and positive impact on students. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Tennessee Senate (33-0) and House (94-0) in February 2026, expressing formal recognition of his service. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws, funding, or obligations.

Maddy summarySJR 599 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Nicole McMahan, a middle school teacher at Chester County Middle School, for being named the 2025-2026 Chester County Schools District Teacher of the Year for Grades 5-8. The resolution, passed unanimously by both the Tennessee Senate (33-0) and House (94-0), formally recognizes her dedication to education and positive impact on students. It has no legal effect or policy changes - only symbolic recognition of her professional achievement. The resolution was adopted on February 5, 2026, and will be presented to Ms. McMahan as a formal tribute.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 601 honors Melissa Greenway, a teacher at Jacks Creek Elementary School, for being named the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. The resolution, passed unanimously by both the Tennessee Senate (33-0) and House (94-0), formally commends her dedication to education and positive impact on students. As a commemorative resolution, it serves only as a ceremonial recognition with no legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summarySJR 591 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Foguie Junior McKinnie, a Memphis resident and public servant who passed away. It formally commemorates his life, military service, faith, family dedication, and community contributions through a resolution adopted by Tennessee's General Assembly. The resolution expresses condolences to his surviving family members and preserves his legacy of integrity and public service. As a memorial resolution with no policy or funding provisions, it directly affects only the recognition of McKinnie's life and does not impact any laws or constituents.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring Shelby Wells, a PreK-4 teacher at West Chester Elementary School, for being named Chester County Schools' 2025-2026 District Teacher of the Year. It formally recognizes her dedication, professional excellence, and impact on students in the Chester County Schools district. The resolution has no policy or funding implications - it solely serves to publicly commend her achievements. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it directly affects only Shelby Wells and the Chester County Schools community through symbolic recognition.