Sen. Jack Johnson

Maddy summarySB 1074 prohibits employers receiving Tennessee's economic development incentives from entering into community benefits agreements that impose workplace rules or operational requirements unrelated to the incentive program itself. It directly affects businesses seeking state-funded economic development incentives, such as tax breaks or grants. The bill defines "community benefits agreements" as contracts between employers and community groups that could mandate things like specific wages, union hiring, or community funding - unless those requirements directly relate to the incentive's purpose. This change ensures state oversight of incentive terms remains focused on project performance, not external community demands on employment practices. The law applies to all new or modified incentive agreements after its effective date.

Maddy summarySB 1288 changes Tennessee's child care licensing rules by creating new exemption categories, meaning certain programs no longer need a license to operate. It directly affects home schools (exempted from licensing), after-school programs serving fewer than five unrelated children for under three hours daily, religious "Parents' Day Out" programs, and school-based educational activities meeting specific criteria. Key provisions include requiring registration with the state department for some exempt programs and setting limits on hours and staffing requirements. The bill simplifies compliance for qualifying providers while maintaining basic safety and recordkeeping standards.

Maddy summarySB 1087 requires Tennessee's Department of Safety to study how federal immigration laws are enforced in the state, including detentions, removals, and related investigations. The department must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the governor and state legislature by January 1, 2026. This bill does not change immigration law but mandates a state-level review of current practices and challenges.

Maddy summarySJR 229 is a ceremonial resolution commending the Grassland Middle School Game Day Cheer Team for winning the 2025 Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Large Junior High Game Day National Championship. It honors the team's achievement as national champions at the UCA national event in Orlando, Florida, after winning regional and state competitions. This resolution, signed by the Tennessee Governor and both legislative chambers, has no legal effect and serves solely to recognize the team's athletic success and sportsmanship. It directly affects the team members and their coaches, who are named in the resolution.

Maddy summarySB 1323 removes a requirement that the Tennessee General Assembly must approve rural and workforce housing tax credits through a joint resolution. It directly affects the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, which will now administer these credits without needing separate legislative authorization. The bill deletes specific sections of state law (TCA 13-23-134 subsection (f) and Chapter 971 of 2024) but maintains the existing rule that at least 50% of credits must go to projects in eligible rural areas. This change streamlines the process for allocating tax credits toward affordable housing development, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 222 is a resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to commend Jackson Fox for his exemplary service as a legislative intern during the 2025 session of the One Hundred Fourteenth General Assembly. The resolution recognizes his contributions to the legislative process, academic achievements at Lipscomb University, and dedication to supporting legislators. It does not create new laws or policies but formally honors Fox through a symbolic gesture of appreciation. The resolution was signed by the Governor and both legislative leaders on March 31, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 220 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Seyi Amosun, a senior at Ravenwood High School, for being selected as Tennessee's 2025 delegate to the U.S. Senate Youth Program. It recognizes her academic achievements (4.7 GPA), leadership roles (class secretary, Rho Kappa president), community service, and future plans to attend Harvard University. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's commendation and best wishes for her future endeavors. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new policies or affect any laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJR 221) honors Sophie Lu, a senior at Farragut High School, for being selected as Tennessee's 2025 delegate to the United States Senate Youth Program. It recognizes her academic achievements (top 1% of her class), leadership roles (student representative, Youth in Government Club president), and community work (volunteerism, policy research). The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, expressing commendation from the Tennessee General Assembly without creating new laws or altering programs. It was formally adopted by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on March 31, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 331 is a symbolic resolution thanking Tennessee retailers for collecting and remitting $14 billion in sales taxes to the state in 2024. It acknowledges that retailers bear card processing fees for the sales tax portion of transactions, even though that tax benefits the state. The resolution does not change any tax laws or fees - it is purely a gesture of appreciation. This resolution was introduced on March 26, 2025, and withdrawn on March 31, 2025, meaning it never became law.

Maddy summarySB 1269 updates Tennessee's legal references to align the "Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities" with the current "Department of Disability and Aging" across multiple statutes. It specifically revises record retention requirements, mandating that contracted providers and department facilities preserve records of services for **10 years** after services end (or until a minor reaches adulthood), while other records must be kept for **6 years**. The bill also clarifies that records may be stored digitally if preserved accurately, allowing transfer between media without destroying original records. This directly affects service providers and facilities serving individuals with disabilities by standardizing how their documentation must be maintained.