Sen. Jack Johnson

Maddy summarySB 1883 modifies Tennessee's administrative procedures for contested cases involving boards attached to the Department of Environment and Conservation. It shortens the deadline for administrative law judges to issue initial orders from 180 to 90 days after a hearing concludes. The bill clarifies that these boards cannot review initial orders unless a party appeals directly to them within 15 days, preserving the right to appeal while streamlining the process. This change applies to cases governed by Titles 60, 68, and 69 of Tennessee Code Annotated.

Maddy summarySB 1881 would make certain records held by Tennessee's Office of Homeland Security about critical infrastructure confidential, preventing public access through standard public records requests. Specifically, it exempts three types of records: security analyses and warnings for infrastructure systems (like power grids or water facilities), threat prevention and defense efforts, and any records designated by the agency as relating to critical infrastructure. This bill amends Tennessee's public records law (TCA Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 5) to add these specific exemptions. The change directly affects the public's right to access this information and the Office of Homeland Security's disclosure obligations.

Maddy summarySB 1888 clarifies eligibility for burial in Tennessee's state veterans' cemeteries for military service members, veterans (including National Guard and reserve component members), and their spouses and children. It specifies that eligible veterans must have been honorably discharged after completing their service obligation, and requires specific documentation like NGB Forms, DD Forms, or discharge orders to verify service. The bill prohibits fees for burial for eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependent children as defined by federal law. It ensures compliance with federal regulations to protect state veterans' cemetery funding.

Maddy summarySB 1302 requires Tennessee's Department of Safety to send its annual report on ignition interlock devices (devices that prevent car ignition if alcohol is detected) to the legislative librarian, in addition to legislative committees. This bill directly affects the Department of Safety (which must submit the report) and the legislative librarian (who will now receive the report). The change is procedural - it modifies report distribution under Tennessee law but does not alter the requirements for installing ignition interlocks or the devices' use. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 55-10-418 and related transportation codes.

Maddy summarySB 1712 would authorize Tennessee county mayors to lower flags on county property to half-staff to honor the death of a prominent citizen within their county, and similarly authorize municipal chief executives to do the same on municipal property. The bill amends Tennessee Code to provide this specific authority for county and municipal officials, replacing any need for ad-hoc resolutions for such tributes. This change directly affects county and municipal governments by establishing a clear statutory process for honoring notable community members who have passed away.

Maddy summarySB 2708 modifies rules governing the Williamson County Hospital District's property management. It removes a previous restriction that prohibited the hospital district board from selling real property or leasing most facilities without county approval, now requiring such transactions to be approved by the Williamson County Board of Commissioners. The bill specifies that the hospital district board can sell property or lease substantially all facilities only with this county commission approval. This change affects the hospital district's ability to manage its assets and directly involves Williamson County's governing body in major property decisions. The bill requires a two-thirds vote from the county commission for approval.

Maddy summarySB 2207 extends the required waiting period for school boards selling career and technical education (CTE) facility properties from 30 to 45 days. This change applies specifically to school boards advertising such properties for sale in local newspapers before completing a negotiated sale. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections governing school facilities to implement this timeline adjustment. The policy change only affects the administrative process for selling CTE properties, with no other substantive modifications to school finance or operations. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2233 tightens Tennessee's restrictions on foreign-owned entities purchasing land. It lowers the ownership threshold requiring review from 33% to 10% for agricultural land and 50% to 33% for non-agricultural land. The bill defines "prohibited foreign parties" more broadly (including entities under U.S. sanctions) and sets a 60-day compliance deadline after designation or acquisition. It exempts entities approved by U.S. national security reviews (like CFIUS) from these restrictions. The law applies to both agricultural and non-agricultural land purchases by sanctioned foreign entities.

Maddy summarySB 1880 creates a new Office of Homeland Security within Tennessee's Department of Safety. This office will coordinate state efforts to prevent, protect against, and respond to threats - including terrorism, cyberattacks, school threats, and critical infrastructure vulnerabilities - while working with federal, local, and private partners. The bill establishes specialized homeland security officers (with statewide peace officer powers) to investigate these threats and support school security planning, election infrastructure protection, and law enforcement coordination. It directly affects state agencies, local law enforcement, schools, and election officials through new investigative authority and coordination requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1860 establishes the "Tennessee Agricultural Fair and Livestock Show Act" to provide state funding for agricultural fairs and livestock shows across Tennessee. The bill authorizes the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to distribute state funds for cash awards (premiums) at these events for specific exhibits, including livestock, farm products, youth programs like 4-H, and educational displays. It also creates a merit award program that gives additional funding to top-performing fairs based on criteria such as exhibit quality, community participation, and grounds maintenance. This law directly supports fair organizers, promotes agricultural education, and aims to strengthen Tennessee's agricultural tourism and youth development efforts.