Sen. Joey Hensley

Maddy summarySB 2318 changes Tennessee law to allow private postsecondary institutions (including religiously affiliated colleges) to establish public charter schools. It removes current restrictions that prevented such institutions from becoming charter school sponsors and permits them to apply directly to local school boards or the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission. The bill also allows these institutions to give enrollment preference to children of their employees or governing body members, similar to how public universities handle such preferences. This policy directly affects private colleges seeking to operate public charter schools and their employees' families.

Maddy summarySB 2385 updates Tennessee's definition of "economically disadvantaged" students for school funding. It expands eligibility to include students directly certified for free meals (without household applications) and those from households receiving Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR benefits. The bill requires the state to allocate additional funds to school districts if their funding decreases due to this expanded definition, ensuring they receive at least the same weighted allocation as the prior year. It also mandates the state to seek a federal ESSA plan amendment to reflect this updated definition, effective for the 2027-2028 school year.

Maddy summarySB 1847 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-14-211(b), by extending the time period for using deadly force to protect property from 24 to 48 hours. This change lowers the legal standard for justifying deadly force by allowing more time to respond to property threats. The bill directly affects property owners and residents facing property crimes, as it expands circumstances where deadly force could be considered lawful. The amendment specifically modifies a statute governing the use of force in defense of property, not firearms regulation.

Maddy summarySB 599 extends the reporting deadline for certain nonprofits partnering with Tennessee's Governor's Books from Birth Fund. It changes the requirement from 90 days to 180 days after the nonprofit's fiscal year ends, giving these organizations more time to report operations and accomplishments to the governor and legislative leaders. This bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Section 4-52-109, specifically updating the reporting timeframe without altering the program's purpose or funding. The change applies only to nonprofit public benefit corporations under this specific grant program.

Maddy summarySB 821 requires all Tennessee public schools serving grades 3-12 and public charter schools to implement an annual, research-backed substance abuse prevention program. The program must teach students refusal skills, anti-drug norms, and life skills to reduce tobacco, alcohol, and drug use, while supplementing existing efforts like DARE and character education. Schools must provide these programs year-round without replacing current drug education or health instruction. The law applies starting the 2025-2026 school year, affecting every school district and charter school in the state.

Maddy summarySB 2388 changes three key aspects of Tennessee's criminal justice system. It raises the monthly fee defendants must pay toward supervision costs from $10 to $15 (affecting individuals under community supervision). It also changes penalties for illegally possessing a telecommunication device in prison, making it a full Class E felony (not limited to fines). Finally, it requires municipalities to cover autopsy costs requested by local law enforcement, unless the state pays instead (directly affecting local government budgets). These changes take effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1912 requires Tennessee public schools and charter schools to adopt internet acceptable use policies that include student safety protocols, parental communication guidelines, and strict limits on accessing harmful content (like pornography, violence, or self-harm material). It specifically bans schools from creating email addresses for pre-K-5 students that allow them to send or receive emails, though schools may use email addresses as security data points. The bill mandates annual audits to ensure compliance and requires digital resource providers to filter harmful content and remove inappropriate materials within one business day of a school's request. This directly affects all Tennessee public schools and pre-K-5 students by restructuring how internet safety and digital access are managed.

Maddy summarySB 2366 creates a two-year provisional license for internationally trained physicians in Tennessee who pass U.S. medical licensing exams and meet specific criteria, including proof of medical education, postgraduate training, legal presence in the U.S., and good moral character. To qualify, applicants must secure employment at approved facilities like federally qualified health centers, rural clinics, or accredited training programs, and pay a $300 fee. During the provisional period, physicians can only work at these designated employers under supervision, and after two years of satisfactory practice, they may earn full licensure by passing all U.S. medical exams. The bill requires the medical board to track data on this pathway to assess its effectiveness.

Maddy summarySB 2375 requires Tennessee's Department of Education to submit an annual report to the Senate and House education committees about implementing the state's academic acceleration policy, rather than providing reports only when requested. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 49 to establish this regular reporting requirement. It directly affects the Department of Education (which must prepare the report) and the education committees (which will receive it annually). This change streamlines oversight of academic acceleration programs by making reporting mandatory and predictable.

Maddy summarySB 2412 (Tennessee) requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to study whether the current cap on compensation for noneconomic damages (like pain and suffering) in civil injury cases should be raised. The office must submit a report with recommendations to Senate and House judiciary committee chairs by January 1, 2027. This bill does not change existing law but directs a formal review of the damage limit. It affects civil litigation involving personal injury claims where current caps apply, but the bill itself only mandates research - not policy change.