Sen. Jack Johnson

Maddy summarySB 1277 revises Tennessee’s state natural areas program by adjusting acreage measurements for existing protected lands and designating four new natural areas for conservation. The bill specifically adds Clifty Creek Gorge (89 acres in Morgan County, protecting the Virginia spirea), Rocky Hill (1 acre in Rutherford County, safeguarding endangered plants), Union Grove (59 acres in Hamblen County, preserving the Tennessee trillium), and Versailles Knob (40 acres in Rutherford County, protecting Braun’s Rockcress). It also updates acreage figures for multiple existing sites, such as expanding Barnett’s Woods to 156 acres and Emory River to 2,754 acres. These changes directly affect the state’s conservation efforts by formally protecting specific ecosystems and endangered species under Tennessee’s natural areas framework.

Maddy summarySB 1264 establishes June 30 as the standard expiration date for most agricultural licenses issued by Tennessee's Department of Agriculture, replacing the previous July 1 deadline. It directly affects license holders in regulated agricultural activities, including milk samplers/testers, liming materials distributors, and other permittees covered under Title 43 and related chapters. The bill amends multiple statutes to update expiration language, removing references to "July 1" and specifying "June 30" or "annually" for license renewals. This change streamlines administrative processes for license renewals but excludes forestry licenses from the new requirement. The bill was enacted into law as Public Chapter 207.

Maddy summarySB 1275 revises Tennessee's process for filing liens to cover reclamation costs on abandoned coal mining lands. It requires the commissioner to notify property owners before filing a lien, explaining the lien amount and their options to avoid it. Property owners who did not consent to or control the mining operation, or who pay the lien amount before filing, cannot be subject to the lien. The bill directly affects landowners near abandoned mines who may have no connection to the original mining activity. These changes aim to prevent liens from being placed on unrelated property owners while ensuring reclamation costs are covered.

Maddy summarySB 1073 requires Tennessee school districts (LEAs) to give parents or guardians of students with individualized education programs (IEPs) at least 10 days' notice before IEP meetings and to provide copies of all student evaluations, assessments, and draft IEPs at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. This applies directly to parents/guardians of students receiving special education services and the school districts responsible for managing IEPs. The bill amends Tennessee special education laws to ensure families receive timely access to relevant documents before IEP meetings, unless parents formally decline the draft IEP copy in writing. It aims to improve family involvement in educational planning by standardizing notice and document-sharing timelines. The law took effect after becoming public law (Ch. 199) in April 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1078 amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 47-18-5510(a) to change the required timeframe for debt resolution services from "seven (7) days" to "seven (7) business days." This bill directly affects debt resolution service providers operating in Tennessee by extending the deadline for certain actions from calendar days to business days. The key provision is a straightforward procedural adjustment to the existing debt resolution law, with no new requirements or penalties added. The bill became law as Public Chapter 287 on April 28, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1297 prohibits using digital driver licenses for voter identification in Tennessee, requiring physical licenses instead at polling places. It regulates digital license systems by banning geolocation data collection, limiting data retention to 3 days, and restricting biometric data (like face scans) to verification only. The law affects all Tennessee residents using digital licenses, particularly voters who would otherwise rely on them for ID. It also mandates strict data security and prohibits selling personal information collected through the system.

Maddy summarySB 1070 extends the time limits for filing criminal and civil cases involving child sexual abuse in Tennessee. For criminal cases, it increases the deadline from 25 to 30 years after the victim turns 18; for civil cases, it raises the deadline from 15 to 30 years after the victim turns 18. The bill also requires prosecutors to provide corroborating evidence for cases filed beyond these extended periods. It applies to offenses occurring on or after July 1, 2025, and takes effect on that date. This change directly affects survivors seeking legal action for historical child sexual abuse.

Maddy summarySJR 536 is a procedural resolution that sets the official schedule for Tennessee's 2025-2026 legislative sessions. It directs the 2025 General Assembly to adjourn at the close of business on April 22, 2025, and specifies that the 2026 session will begin at 12:00 noon on January 13, 2026. This resolution directly affects the state legislature's operational calendar.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 311 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the Franklin High School Band for its musical achievements. It commends the band's eight Tennessee Governor's Cup championships, Sudler Shield award, and notable performances including the Rose Parade, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and 2024 New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade. The resolution serves solely to honor the band's excellence and community contributions, with no policy changes or legal effect. It was formally adopted by Tennessee's legislature and signed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySJR 257 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing John Bouchard & Sons Co. for its 125th anniversary. It formally honors the fifth-generation, family-owned Nashville business for its role in building infrastructure across Tennessee and the Mid-South since 1900. The resolution highlights the company's history, community contributions, and current operations serving major institutions like universities, hospitals, and government facilities. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or legal effect - it simply expresses formal recognition.