Sen. Page Walley

Maddy summaryThis bill honors the Freed-Hardeman University men's basketball team for winning the 2026 NAIA national championship. It formally commends the players, coaches, and staff for their achievements during the season, recognizing their team's 35-1 record and second consecutive NAIA title. The resolution acknowledges specific player performances and coaching contributions that led to their victory over Langston University. This legislative action serves as an official state recognition of the team's accomplishments rather than creating new laws or funding.

Maddy summarySB 2150 requires owners of newly constructed private residence elevators (in single-family homes or private multi-unit dwellings not open to the public) to register them with the Tennessee Department of Labor within seven days of being placed in service, starting July 1, 2027. It also mandates that new property owners notify the department within 60 days if they acquire a home with an existing private residence elevator. The bill amends Tennessee law to clarify that these elevators are exempt from certain inspection requirements that apply to other elevators. This applies directly to homeowners installing new elevators in their residences after the effective date.

Maddy summarySB 2216 requires Tennessee's state employee assistance program (EAP), including mental health and wellness services, to be available at no cost to all active volunteer firefighters and members of combination fire departments (which include both paid and volunteer staff). This expands existing EAP access beyond state employees to cover these volunteer fire service workers. The bill also amends related laws to remove outdated terms like "full-time" and update membership reporting requirements for fire departments. These changes aim to support volunteer firefighters' well-being through accessible, state-funded resources.

Maddy summarySB 1963 modifies Tennessee's professional privilege tax for attorneys by exempting those who have practiced law for 20 years or more. It directly affects licensed attorneys with two decades or more of active practice, removing them from the tax's application. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated §67-4-1702(3) to clarify that the tax applies only to attorneys with less than 20 years of practice. This change takes effect for taxes due after May 31, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 1642 changes how certain tax revenues from tire and vehicle sales are distributed. Starting October 1, 2026, 95.3970% of sales and use tax revenue from new/used tires and motor vehicles will go to the highway fund (instead of 100%), while the remaining 4.6030% will be allocated monthly to incorporated Tennessee municipalities based on population. The bill also specifies that a 2.75% tax on vehicle/tire sales above $1,600 must fund the highway fund, excluding existing education and tax rate increase allocations. This directly affects local municipalities receiving the 4.6% share and the highway fund's funding stream.

Maddy summarySB 637 (TISA) modifies Tennessee's education funding formula to add a 3% weighted allocation for students attending school districts with 1,001 to 1,250 students. This change directly affects small school districts in that specific size range by increasing state funding per student. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, by creating a new funding tier for these districts. The policy takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 788 redirects 3% of Tennessee's beer barrelage tax revenue - previously allocated to the general fund - to the Department of Agriculture. This funding supports two specific goals: encouraging brewers to use Tennessee-grown agricultural products and promoting the growth of the state's brewing industry. The bill directly affects brewers (who pay the tax) and Tennessee farmers (whose products may be used in brewing). It becomes effective July 1, 2025, with the Department of Agriculture managing the funds for these purposes.

Maddy summarySB 841 requires that individuals arrested for felony offenses in Tennessee have a mouth swab (biological specimen) collected for DNA analysis before being released from custody. The sample must be sent to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and becomes a condition of bond or release. If charges are dismissed or the person is acquitted, TBI must destroy the sample and related records, unless other felony charges or warrants are pending. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all felony arrests occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summarySB 15 requires the Tennessee state government to cover the costs of autopsies for inmates who die while in state custody, as well as any necessary transportation related to those autopsies. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 41, Chapter 21, by adding a new provision mandating state payment for these examinations and associated transportation expenses. This change directly affects state correctional facilities and the state budget, as it establishes a new financial obligation for the government. The law takes effect upon becoming law, shifting responsibility for these costs from families or other entities to the state.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Cortez Williams, the 2026 valedictorian of Fayette-Ware High School, for his academic excellence. The measure formally commends his high grade point average and participation in extracurricular activities while wishing him success in his future endeavors. It directs the creation of a copy of the resolution to be presented to Williams, omitting the final clause intended for the official record. This action serves as a ceremonial recognition rather than establishing new laws or policies.