Sen. Jack Johnson

Maddy summarySB 2245 shortens the deadline for the executive director to certify nursing board officers to 15 days after elections or vacancies, down from 30 days. This directly affects the executive director’s office and the Board of Nursing by requiring faster processing of appointments and vacancies. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections related to nursing governance to implement this timeline change. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2243 shortens the timeframe for Tennessee's Board of Physician Assistants to review licensure applications from out-of-state applicants. It reduces the decision period from 45 to 35 days for applicants already licensed in another state. This change directly affects physician assistants seeking to practice in Tennessee who hold credentials from other jurisdictions. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, applying to applications submitted on or after that date.

Maddy summarySB 2244 increases the required residency and practice period for dental hygienist members appointed to Tennessee's Board of Dentistry from five years to six years. This change applies to appointments made on or after July 1, 2026, directly affecting individuals seeking these board positions. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 63-5-103(a)(2) to reflect this updated requirement. It is a procedural adjustment to appointment qualifications with no broader policy impact beyond the board's membership criteria.

Maddy summarySJR 634 is a procedural resolution confirming Governor Bill Lee's appointment of Dr. Phil Roe to the Austin Peay State University Board of Trustees. It formally approves his six-year term (expiring June 30, 2031), as required by Tennessee law for gubernatorial appointments to state university boards. The resolution does not create new policy or affect any specific programs - only confirming an existing appointment.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution confirming Governor Bill Lee's appointment of Camron Rudd to the Tennessee Technological University Board of Trustees. It does not create new policy but formally approves Rudd's 5-year term (ending June 30, 2031), as required by Tennessee law (TCA § 49-8-201). Rudd, a TTU mechanical engineering and German studies graduate and current Hörmann North America COO, was appointed under the law requiring at least three board members to be TTU alumni. The resolution follows standard legislative confirmation procedures for gubernatorial appointments to state university boards.

Maddy summarySJR 832 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Randy Elliott upon his retirement from BrightStone, a nonprofit serving adults with disabilities in Tennessee. It recognizes his 10-year service as BrightStone's Director of Advancement and Chief of Staff, including his leadership in capital campaigns and advocacy for state legislation supporting the organization. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's appreciation for his professional contributions and community involvement, with no policy changes or financial impact. This non-binding tribute passed unanimously in both chambers (32-0) in March 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1882 changes Tennessee's requirement for drivers whose licenses or registrations were suspended for failing to provide proof of insurance. It now mandates that individuals must maintain proof of insurance for at least one year or the full suspension period, whichever is longer. The bill clarifies that if insurance is used as proof, the effective date starts when proof was first provided, and coverage must continue through the suspension. This directly affects drivers who lost their license or registration due to no insurance, making it easier to reinstate their driving privileges once the required period ends. The law applies to offenses occurring on or after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 628) confirms Governor Bill Lee's appointment of Tom Marino to the Public Charter School Commission, as required by Tennessee law. It directly affects Marino, who will serve as a West Tennessee representative on the commission until June 30, 2027. The resolution completes a procedural step mandated by statute (TCA § 49-13-105) for commission appointments but does not establish new policy or alter existing laws.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 637 confirms Governor Bill Lee's appointment of Jennifer Hampton to the University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM) advisory board, as required by Tennessee law. The resolution formally approves Hampton's service until June 30, 2029, following her appointment under Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-9-501. Hampton, a UTM graduate with a background in finance and higher education advocacy, previously served on UTM-related boards and as a financial advisor. This procedural resolution does not create new policy but completes a statutory confirmation process for the advisory board member.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 631 confirms Governor Bill Lee's appointment of Mike Keeney to the University of Memphis Board of Trustees, as required by Tennessee law (TCA § 49-8-201). This procedural resolution directly affects Keeney, who will serve a six-year term until June 30, 2031, on the board governing the University of Memphis. The resolution follows statutory requirements that gubernatorial appointees to the board must be confirmed by both the Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives. It does not create new policy but formally approves an existing appointment.