Sen. Jack Johnson

Maddy summarySJR 292 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Chief Richard Hickey of the Brentwood Police Department upon his retirement after 34 years of service. It formally recognizes his career, including his role as Brentwood's police chief since 2022 and specific contributions like his involvement in stopping an armed bank robbery in 2002. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it simply expresses the General Assembly's commendation and best wishes for his retirement. This is a purely symbolic gesture with no binding effect on law enforcement procedures or public policy.

Maddy summarySB 1292 clarifies that Tennessee state employees, including those in the Department of Revenue, cannot face criminal charges, penalties, or job loss for publishing certain taxpayer names on the department’s website in June 2025. This applies specifically to franchise tax refund information required by existing law (TCA §67-4-2122(a)(8)). The bill creates a legal safe harbor for employees acting in good faith to comply with this disclosure requirement. It does not change tax rates or eligibility but protects staff from repercussions when following the mandated publication process.

Maddy summarySB 1285 expands paid bereavement leave for specific Tennessee state employees. It grants state officers and employees covered under certain TCA sections: 3 days for the death of siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, foster parents, or in-laws; 5 days for parents or stepparents; and 10 days for spouses, children, or stepchildren. The bill modifies existing state employment leave rules to include these additional family relationships. Signed into law on March 25, 2025, it became effective immediately upon the Governor's signature. This change directly affects state employees in designated roles under the referenced Tennessee Code sections.

Maddy summarySB 1284 modifies Tennessee health licensure laws to streamline processes for healthcare boards. It removes the requirement for health board licenses to be signed by board members before issuance, allows presiding officers to form panels for disciplinary hearings, and expands record inspection to include patient billing records for providers licensed under Titles 63 and 68. The bill also restricts disclosure of sensitive information (like complainant details or patient records) in disciplinary cases, permitting release only via law enforcement subpoenas. These changes directly affect licensed healthcare providers, facilities, and the Department of Health during inspections and disciplinary proceedings.

Maddy summarySB 1290 permanently removes a temporary expiration date for a law that excludes certain testing equipment from being classified as drug paraphernalia. Specifically, it makes permanent the exclusion of equipment used to test for synthetic opioids (like fentanyl) unless the equipment is used to commit a drug crime. This change directly affects harm reduction organizations, public health workers, and law enforcement using such tools for legitimate testing purposes. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 39-17-402 by deleting the prior repeal date of July 1, 2025. The law is now permanent and took effect April 3, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 694 raises the maximum interest rate for industrial loan and thrift companies in Tennessee from 30% to 36% per year on loans of $100 or more. The bill directly affects these financial institutions and their borrowers by increasing the legal limit on interest charges for qualifying loans. Key provisions include amending multiple sections of Tennessee law to update the rate cap and removing outdated rate limits (like the 10% to 12.5% change in Section 5). The changes apply to new or renewed contracts on or after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1305 extends Tennessee's CoverKids health insurance program for children by changing its expiration date from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2030. This bill directly affects low-income children in Tennessee who qualify for the CoverKids program, ensuring continued access to health coverage. The key mechanism is amending Tennessee Code Annotated Section 71-3-1113 to update the program's termination date. The bill was signed into law on April 3, 2025, and became effective April 8, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1279 amends Tennessee's banking code to give the state banking commissioner authority to set deposit insurance requirements for state banks, directly affecting all Tennessee state banks. The commissioner must determine the type and amount of insurance based on five specific factors: bank safety/soundness, promoting Tennessee's economic progress, public confidence in banking, industry input, and other relevant considerations. The bill also requires the commissioner to follow standard rulemaking procedures when implementing these requirements. This law takes effect July 1, 2026, changing how deposit insurance is regulated for state banks in Tennessee.

Maddy summarySB 1308 grants Tennessee's Department of Transportation (TDOT) emergency contracting authority during transportation system failures or threats to public safety. It allows the commissioner to bypass standard bidding rules and enter contracts for design-build, construction manager/general contractor (CM/GC), or progressive design-build (PDB) services without adhering to typical procurement requirements. The bill exempts emergency contracts exceeding $100 million from annual reporting in TDOT's transportation improvement program, though written notice must be sent to legislative committees within 30 days. This directly affects TDOT's ability to rapidly repair critical infrastructure during emergencies, such as bridge collapses or major accidents, while maintaining limited transparency through committee notifications.

Maddy summarySB 696 modifies Tennessee insurance laws to increase investment limits for domestic insurance companies. It raises the cap on foreign investment assets from 1% to 20% of a company’s assets and increases real property investment limits from 5% to 10%. The bill also adds new rules for investing in specific money market funds that meet industry standards for government-backed or high-quality short-term investments. These changes directly affect Tennessee-based insurance companies by expanding their allowable investment options under state law. The bill became effective March 25, 2025.