Sen. Jack Johnson

Maddy summarySB 1318 changes two key rules for Tennessee handgun permit applicants. It bars individuals with a DUI conviction within the past five years from obtaining an enhanced handgun carry permit. It also lowers the minimum age for such permits from 21 to 18, provided all other eligibility requirements are met. These changes apply specifically to "enhanced" permits under Tennessee law, affecting applicants who would otherwise qualify but have recent DUIs or are under 21.

Maddy summarySB 1270 requires Tennessee health insurance companies to provide detailed claims reports within 30 days of a written request from group health plans, plan sponsors, or administrators. These reports must include monthly claims data, premiums, covered employee counts by tier, high-value claims ($10,000+), and pending claims for the prior 36 months or full coverage period. The bill also clarifies that commercial insurance coverage for farm properties cannot affect how such properties are classified under state law, and updates readability requirements for life and health insurance policies. It directly affects health insurers, employers administering group health plans, and agricultural property owners through its classification rules.

Maddy summarySJR 430 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Nashville Severe Weather, a local weather service founded in 2010 by David Drobny, Will Minkoff, and Andrew Leeper. It recognizes their work providing tailored weather forecasts and real-time severe weather updates for Davidson and Williamson counties, including collaboration with the National Weather Service through the #tSpotter initiative. The resolution commends their public safety contributions, including a 2016 National Weather Association award, and their meteorology intern program. As a symbolic gesture with no binding policy changes, it does not affect any laws or regulations. This resolution was signed by the Governor on May 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 444 designates September 21-28, 2025, as "FTD Awareness Week" in Tennessee. This resolution commemorates Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD), a terminal brain disease affecting speech, personality, and behavior, which impacts over 60,000 people in the U.S. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it solely aims to raise public awareness about FTD among Tennessee residents.

Maddy summarySJR 434 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Clifford Allan Brunger, a retired U.S. Navy Commander and president of APM Group, Inc., for his 26 years of military service and 23 years leading a defense contracting company. It recognizes his career achievements, including graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy, earning engineering degrees, and managing billion-dollar defense programs. The resolution, passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor, expresses gratitude for his service to Tennessee and the nation but does not create any new laws or policies. As a memorial resolution, it serves solely to commend Brunger upon his retirement.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Tennessee retailers for collecting $14 billion in sales taxes in 2024, recognizing that they bear the cost of credit/debit card processing fees on the tax portion of transactions. It acknowledges that retailers pay these fees for transactions benefiting the state, even though the sales tax itself is remitted to the state. The resolution formally expresses appreciation for retailers' role in efficiently collecting state tax revenue. As a symbolic gesture (not a law), it does not change tax collection procedures or obligations.

Maddy summarySB 1304 extends Tennessee's Access Tennessee health insurance program, which provides coverage for low-income residents, from ending on June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2030. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 56-7-2916 to update the program's expiration date. This change ensures continued eligibility for current participants and future enrollees who qualify under the program's existing income and coverage criteria. The extension applies to all individuals currently enrolled or who meet the program's requirements before 2030.

Maddy summaryTennessee Senate Joint Resolution 25 proposes a constitutional amendment that would remove the right to bail for specific serious offenses when evidence is strong. It targets charges including terrorism, second-degree murder, aggravated rape of a child, aggravated rape, grave torture, and any other offense where a conviction would require serving at least 85% of the sentence before release. Judges would be required to document their bail decisions for these cases, and the amendment would take effect on November 3, 2026. The proposal must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to become part of Tennessee's constitution.

Maddy summarySJR 118 is a procedural resolution confirming Governor Bill Lee's appointment of Lynn Richardson of Elizabethton to the Tennessee Ethics Commission. It directly affects Richardson by formally approving her appointment, which requires legislative confirmation under Tennessee law (TCA § 3-6-103). The resolution states the General Assembly confirms her appointment for a term expiring December 31, 2028, after the governor's selection. This is a routine confirmation process, not a substantive policy change, and does not alter the commission's duties or powers.

Maddy summarySJR 95 is a procedural resolution confirming Governor Bill Lee's appointment of Todd Womack to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) advisory board. This resolution, required by Tennessee law (TCA § 49-9-501), allows Womack to serve on the board until June 30, 2028. The bill directly affects Womack, who is a UTC alumnus (graduated 1995) and currently serves on UTC's Foundation Board and Honors College Advisory Board. The resolution follows standard confirmation procedures for state-appointed advisory board members.