Sen. Page Walley

Maddy summarySJR 414 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late Barbara Sue Parks, a Somerville public servant and community member. It formally commemorates her life, public service, family dedication, and legacy of integrity as recorded in the Tennessee General Assembly. The resolution expresses condolences to her family and directs that a copy be presented to them. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on citizens or laws.

Maddy summarySB 776 encourages licensed contractors and subcontractors working on Tennessee state construction projects valued at $1 million or more to hire apprentices from certified or registered apprenticeship programs. It requires state agencies to include a question in requests for proposals asking if contractors will employ such apprentices, and urges contractors themselves to do so. The bill amends multiple state codes related to construction and apprenticeships but does not mandate apprenticeship use - only encourages it through procurement language. This policy change affects state agencies, contractors, and subcontractors on qualifying projects, with the law taking effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Tennessee's training requirements for utility district commissioners. It reduces the mandatory continuing education hours from 12 to 6 per period after initial training and establishes a reinstatement process for commissioners who lose eligibility due to missed training. Commissioners who become ineligible can petition the Tennessee Board of Utility Regulation for reinstatement, requiring them to complete 12 hours of training within one year and undergo an informal hearing. These changes directly affect all utility district commissioners in Tennessee and took effect on April 11, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 440 clarifies that standalone dental and vision insurance plans (known as "excepted benefits") are not required to cover specific medical treatments, services, or conditions unless state law explicitly mandates it. This change directly affects health insurance plans offering these stand-alone benefits, removing an implied obligation to cover certain medical needs under those plans. The law applies to all new or renewed insurance policies issued on or after July 1, 2025, ensuring clarity for insurers and policyholders. It does not alter existing coverage requirements for standard health insurance plans.

Maddy summarySB 842 amends Tennessee law to allow cities, counties, and other governmental entities to purchase insurance through approved plans (like shared insurance programs) without requiring public bidding, which is typically mandated by law. This change applies to any insurance authorized under state law, removing a barrier to using pre-vetted insurance arrangements. The bill specifically updates Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 12 (Chapter 3), Title 12, and Title 29 to clarify this exception. It became effective April 24, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 196 requires Tennessee's Department of Education to include all student group data in school letter grade calculations when specific thresholds are met. It directly affects public schools serving grades 9-12 that collect standardized test data, mandating inclusion of math/ELA scores for groups with at least 20 valid test scores in a grade band, and college/career readiness data for graduating cohorts of 20+ students. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 49 to prevent exclusion of such data from school performance ratings. It became effective July 1, 2025, ensuring transparency in how school grades reflect student subgroup performance. This policy change focuses on data inclusion standards for accountability purposes, not educational content or funding.

Maddy summarySB 497 amends Tennessee tattoo artist licensing laws to allow out-of-state artists with 10+ years of experience to obtain a Tennessee license without completing the state's standard 1-year apprenticeship. It directly affects tattoo artists licensed in other states for a decade or more, permitting them to apply using proof of prior work (like business licenses or tax records) instead of local training. The bill also requires supervising tattoo artists to sign apprenticeship completion forms verifying compliance with training requirements. Effective January 1, 2026, this change streamlines licensure for experienced out-of-state practitioners while maintaining oversight through signature verification.

Maddy summarySB 789 amends Tennessee's licensure rules for marriage and family therapists to clarify student and trainee roles, update supervisor qualifications, and revise associate license requirements. It allows students in accredited programs to use titles like "marital therapy intern" under supervision, expands the definition of "approved supervisor" to include more licensed mental health professionals, and requires associate license holders to pass a licensing exam within nine months while practicing under supervision. The bill also specifies that associate license holders must display their status as "associate licensed marriage and family therapist" (AMFT) and cannot claim full licensure. These changes directly affect therapy students, trainees, and practitioners seeking licensure in Tennessee.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 145), not a substantive bill. It formally honors Wayne Elam for his 50 years of service on the McNairy County Election Commission, recognizing his role in modernizing the county's voting systems from paper ballots to computerized processes and his commitment to election integrity. The resolution specifically acknowledges his leadership, adherence to election procedures, and contributions to appointing qualified individuals for election roles. It has no binding effect or policy changes - it is purely a ceremonial tribute.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 129) honors Leevi Hicks, a South Lawrence Middle School student, for winning third place in the 2025 National Civics Bee Lawrence County Finals. The resolution formally congratulates him on his achievement in the competition, which tests civics knowledge and community problem-solving. It recognizes his advancement to the Tennessee State Finals and expresses the Senate's admiration for his academic dedication. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact - only symbolic recognition of a student's accomplishment.