Sen. Page Walley

Maddy summaryThis bill would eliminate outdated property ownership restrictions in Tennessee, specifically ending "fee simple determinable," "fee simple subject to condition subsequent," and "fee simple subject to executory limitation" estates. It sets a 75-year limit on reverter clauses (clauses that could reclaim property under conditions), making them unenforceable after that period or by July 1, 2025, for older deeds. Property owners with such clauses would need to file a sworn statement by July 1, 2026, to preserve rights for an additional 5 years. The bill was withdrawn on March 3, 2025, and does not currently affect property rights.

Maddy summarySJR 12 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Sergeant Rick N. Finley, a Selmer law enforcement officer who died while on duty on December 14, 2024. The resolution recognizes his military service in the U.S. Army National Guard (including two Iraq deployments), his career as a McNairy County Sheriff's Office deputy and Selmer Police Department officer, and his commitment to public safety. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - its sole purpose is to memorialize his life and service through a formal legislative tribute. The resolution was unanimously passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor on February 14, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 10 is a memorial resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Dr. Richard E. Berryman, a Bolivar dentist and community leader who died. The resolution commemorates his 56-year dental career, his service as a public servant, and his dedication to family and community values. It extends condolences to his wife, Sandra Grantham Berryman, and two sons, Chris and Bryan Berryman. The resolution serves as a formal tribute without enacting new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySJR 13 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Franklin Dewey Shaffer, a Lawrenceburg, Tennessee resident and public servant who passed away. It commemorates his life and legacy, highlighting his career as a lawyer, entrepreneur (including founding Shaffer Farms Custom Meats and Texas Bar-B-Q), and community contributions. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family and formally recognizes his impact on Tennessee. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy provisions or direct effect on laws or constituents.

Maddy summarySJR 11 is a symbolic resolution honoring Tennessee school custodians for maintaining clean, safe learning environments. It recognizes their physical labor, dedication across varying shifts, and essential role in supporting students and staff. The resolution has passed both legislative chambers unanimously and been signed by the Governor, but it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 7) honors Teresa Newton, director of the Lawrence County Library, upon her retirement after 48 years of service. It recognizes her contributions to the library, including recovery efforts after a tornado and fostering community engagement with literature. The resolution is purely ceremonial and does not create any new laws or policy changes; it serves only to formally acknowledge her career.

Maddy summarySB 511 requires Tennessee's Board of Claims to review and approve insurance policies recommended by the Division of Claims for covering liability claims against the state or its employees (such as those from contracts or lawsuits). It defines "state agency" broadly to include all state departments, boards, commissions, universities, and other government units, ensuring these entities are covered under the policy approval process. The bill also gives the Board of Claims authority to coordinate insurance purchases across state agencies and facilitate buying for individual agencies. This change streamlines how the state manages liability insurance coverage, directly affecting state agencies and their risk management processes. The bill takes effect upon becoming law.

Maddy summarySB 785 limits local governments in Tennessee from requiring more than one entrance or exit for new housing subdivisions unless they contain at least 70 homes. It directly affects subdivision developers (especially for smaller projects) and local planning commissions, cities, and counties that previously could mandate multiple access points. The bill prohibits these local entities from enforcing such requirements for subdivisions with fewer than 70 residential units, making any conflicting rule void. It amends Tennessee zoning codes (Titles 4, 5, 6, 7, and 13) to establish this statewide standard. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, applying to new or amended planning regulations after that date.

Maddy summarySB 786 requires psychologists and neuropsychologists to securely store test materials and data from psychological evaluations to maintain test validity. It prohibits third-party observers (like family members, attorneys, or insurance representatives) during testing and bans video/audio recordings, with limited exceptions for disabilities, language needs, minors, or trainee supervision. The bill restricts access to test materials/data solely to licensed psychologists or trained experts who must legally and ethically protect their security. It directly affects professionals conducting psychological evaluations, ensuring data integrity for high-stakes decisions like forensic assessments, medical evaluations, and educational accommodations.

Maddy summarySJR 21 is a Tennessee legislative resolution honoring Linda Ann Harkey Bowling, a retired kindergarten teacher and longtime community leader from Olive Hill. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to her family and commemorates her 30+ years of teaching, dedication to education, and service at Olive Hill Baptist Church. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes her legacy of public service and family values. The resolution was passed unanimously and signed into law by the Governor on February 10, 2025.