Sen. Page Walley

Maddy summarySB 13 amends Tennessee law to increase the Emergency Communications Board from 9 to 11 members. It adds two county government representatives (appointed by the Senate Speaker) and two city government representatives (appointed by the House Speaker), while reducing the quorum requirement from five to six members. The bill directly affects the board’s composition and operational structure, which coordinates emergency communications across Tennessee. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 42 creates Tennessee's State Disaster Relief Program, administered by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), to provide grants to counties affected by natural disasters that do not qualify for federal disaster aid. Counties must declare a state of emergency and meet the program's criteria to receive grants covering costs like repairing public roads, buildings, and debris removal, as well as emergency life-saving measures. Grants are limited to $250,000 per county annually and depend on yearly state funding allocations. The program directly supports local governments responding to disasters such as floods, tornadoes, or wildfires that fall below federal aid thresholds.

Maddy summarySB 592 amends Tennessee law to simplify landlord registration for properties with five or more dwelling units. It allows landlords to submit one registration form for the entire property instead of separate forms for each unit, provided all required information is identical across units. Local governments may require residential landlords to register with specified fees (capped at existing limits), but are not required to adopt such rules by June 2025. The bill directly affects multi-unit landlords and local governments deciding on registration policies. It takes effect July 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summarySB 787 requires a final inspection by Tennessee's chief elevator inspector before any private residence elevator (installed in a home) can be used. Homeowners must then register the elevator with the department using a provided form. The bill also mandates that the chief inspector create and maintain a database tracking all registered private residence elevators. This applies specifically to elevators in private homes, not commercial buildings, and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1006 shortens the deadline for Tennessee state employees in the preferred service system to file appeals against adverse employment actions - from 14 calendar days to 10 business days. It directly affects employees facing decisions like termination or demotion who wish to challenge these actions through the board of appeals. The key provision requires appeals to be submitted within 10 business days of when the employee knew, or should have reasonably known, about the adverse action. This amendment modifies Tennessee Code Annotated Section 8-30-318 without changing the types of actions that can be appealed.

Maddy summarySJR 185 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Marie Brennan for her appointment as director of the Lawrence County Public Library. It formally recognizes her seven years of service (including four as assistant director), her work on the Library Green project, and her leadership in securing a NASA grant for summer programming. The resolution, passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on March 13, 2025, has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely expresses official commendation for her professional achievements. This resolution directly affects Marie Brennan as the recipient of the honor.

Maddy summarySJR 189 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Teresa Allie Johnston Johnson, a public servant and community member from Tennessee who passed away. It formally recognizes her contributions to public life, her work as an artist and small animal rehabilitator, and her family values through a resolution passed by both legislative chambers. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to her family and commemorates her legacy, but it does not create any new laws or affect policy. As a memorial resolution, it has no binding effect beyond symbolic recognition.

Maddy summarySB 508 amends Tennessee's Uniform Commercial Code to change the governing law for certain investment security transactions. It replaces the previous rule requiring the "local law of the securities intermediary's jurisdiction" with "the law of this state" (Tennessee law) for key aspects of these transactions. The bill also removes existing subsections about jurisdictional law and adds a new priority rule ensuring entitlement holders (not creditors) have first claim to financial assets when a securities intermediary lacks sufficient funds. These changes directly affect securities intermediaries (like banks or brokers) operating in Tennessee handling investment accounts.

Maddy summarySB 193 clarifies that Tennessee's general rule voiding wagering contracts does not apply to bets placed under the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act. This bill directly affects sports betting operators and customers by ensuring their contracts are legally enforceable. The key provision amends multiple sections of Tennessee law (Titles 4, 29, 38, 39, 47, 49, and 67) to exclude sports gaming transactions from the voiding rule. The change specifically applies to the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act (Title 4, Chapter 49, Part 1), making sports betting contracts valid like other commercial agreements.

Maddy summarySJR 61 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Billy Ray Helton, Sr., a Lawrenceburg, Tennessee resident and public servant who passed away. It commemorates his life, including his roles as CEO of Lawrenceburg Federal Bank, local government service, and community leadership at Pulaski Street Church of Christ. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's condolences to his family and formally recognizes his legacy of integrity and dedication. As a memorial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy impact - it solely serves to honor his contributions.