Sen. Jack Johnson

Maddy summaryThis bill adds hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) testing to the standard blood screening required for all pregnant women in Tennessee during initial prenatal visits and between weeks 28-32 of pregnancy. If the anti-HCV test is reactive, labs must automatically conduct a follow-up HCV RNA test without requiring additional orders. It directly affects all pregnant women receiving routine prenatal care in Tennessee, expanding the required screening panel to include hepatitis C alongside existing tests for syphilis, rubella, and hepatitis B. The changes take effect July 1, 2025, and align hepatitis C testing protocols with existing disease reporting requirements for maternal health.

Maddy summarySB 1307 expands Tennessee's local transportation funding program by allowing *all* cities and counties - not just specific ones like Chattanooga or Shelby County - to levy a surcharge on local privilege taxes. The bill changes the program's focus from "transit improvement" to "transportation improvement," enabling surcharge funds to support highway and bridge projects alongside mass transit. It also requires local governments to maintain a minimum level of road funding (averaged over five years, excluding certain revenues) to keep eligibility for surcharge funds; failure to meet this threshold redirects unused funds to the state highway fund for statewide road projects. The bill amends specific Tennessee Code sections to implement these changes, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1071 requires Tennessee's Department of Children's Services to pay child advocacy centers within 30 days of receiving a reimbursement request. If payments are late, the department must pay a 10% late fee from its existing budget. The bill also mandates an annual report to the legislature by January 15 each year, tracking delayed payments (both in number and percentage) and total late fees paid. This directly affects child advocacy centers receiving funds and the Department of Children's Services, ensuring timely payments and transparency in reimbursement processes.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 307 schedules a joint convention of the Tennessee General Assembly for March 24, 2025, to vote on confirming Judge Valerie Smith for the Western Section and Judge Steven Sword for the Eastern Section of the Tennessee Court of Appeals. This procedural resolution follows Tennessee constitutional requirements (Article VI, Section 3) and state law (Tennessee Code Title 17, Chapter 4) for judicial confirmation. The convention will formally approve these appointments, directly affecting the two judges and the Court of Appeals' composition.

Maddy summarySJR 193 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Rock The Street, Wall Street, a nonprofit organization, and its founder Maura K. Cunningham. It recognizes the organization's work since 2012 in providing financial literacy programs to over 600 young women in Tennessee through school-based initiatives. The resolution has no policy impact - it serves solely as a formal commendation for the group's efforts in promoting financial education and economic empowerment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJR 108) confirms Governor Bill Lee's appointment of DeWitt Booth to the University of Tennessee Southern advisory board for a term ending June 30, 2028. Tennessee law (TCA § 49-9-501) requires the General Assembly to confirm such governor appointments to UT system advisory boards. The resolution notes Booth's banking career, local board service, and longstanding involvement with UT Southern programs. It does not create new policy but formally ratifies an existing appointment.

Maddy summarySB 112 is a procedural bill that updates Tennessee's official law book (Tennessee Code Annotated) by integrating all general laws passed during the 2024 legislative session into a single, organized code. It does not change any existing laws or create new policies - it simply reorganizes and consolidates the state's existing statutes for easier reference. This annual codification affects all state laws and citizens who rely on the official legal code, as it replaces scattered individual acts with a unified, updated version. The bill takes effect immediately upon the governor's signature (March 12, 2025), making the revised code the official compilation of Tennessee's laws.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 211 is a non-binding resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Garrett McNeill for achieving the Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts of America. It recognizes his community service, including constructing dog houses for the Williamson County Animal Shelter as part of his Eagle project (requiring 95 hours of volunteer work), and his leadership roles in scouting, school sports, and youth groups. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for his character development and contributions to his community.

Maddy summarySJR 209 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Zachary Greathouse for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. It recognizes his specific accomplishments, including earning 23 merit badges, completing 122 volunteer hours building park benches at a food pantry, and leadership roles. The resolution has no legislative effect - it is purely a formal commendation with no policy changes or direct impact on any laws, programs, or individuals beyond this recognition. It was unanimously passed by the Tennessee General Assembly on March 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 208) is a ceremonial honor recognizing Benjamin Barry for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. It directly affects Benjamin Barry, a Brentwood Academy student, by formally acknowledging his accomplishments including 42 merit badges, 176 volunteer hours for a community memorial bridge project, and academic leadership. The resolution contains no new laws or funding; it simply extends legislative congratulations through a formal resolution passed unanimously by Tennessee's Senate and House. It serves as a symbolic gesture of community recognition, not a policy change.