Maddy summarySB 614 requires Tennessee local governments to make up any shortfall in education funding they budgeted but failed to actually allocate to schools (LEAs) in the following fiscal year. It mandates that the missing funds must be paid in full the next year, and future funding requirements must be calculated based on the originally budgeted amount - not the actual amount paid - going forward. This affects local governments (like counties or cities) that manage education budgets and directly impacts public schools (LEAs) receiving those funds. The bill aims to ensure consistent school funding by preventing local governments from reducing education spending below their budgeted levels. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-3-314(c) and applies to fiscal years starting in 2025-2026.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 267 clarifies that medical laboratories operating collection stations in Tennessee do not need an additional license for those stations, regardless of where specimens are transported, provided the laboratory owner retains full ownership and oversight. This directly affects medical laboratories and their collection sites, eliminating redundant licensing requirements. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-29-122 to specify that only non-owner-operated collection stations require a separate license, while all stations must still follow board rules. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, streamlining operations for lab-owned collection points.
Maddy summaryThis Tennessee bill clarifies that county election commissions must remove certain voters from permanent registration records as required by law, unless federal law prohibits it. It amends state code (TCA § 2-2-132) to explicitly require commissions to purge registrations meeting criteria under § 2-2-106. The law directly affects county election officials who manage voter rolls. This is a procedural clarification of existing requirements, not a new policy change.
Maddy summarySB 268 requires Tennessee financial institutions to verify the immigration status of individuals sending money overseas using government-issued ID (like driver’s licenses or passports). It redefines "resident" to include only U.S. citizens and immigrants lawfully present in Tennessee, verified through two specific ID types. The bill also mandates that parents or guardians of students not lawfully residing in Tennessee must pay public school tuition, similar to out-of-county fees. These changes apply to banks, credit unions, and other financial entities operating in the state.
Maddy summarySB 157 requires Tennessee schools to include student performance on career readiness assessments (like industry certifications) in school grading, alongside college-readiness tests such as the ACT or SAT. If a student takes both types of assessments, the school's grade will only consider their highest-scoring assessment. This directly affects Tennessee high schools and students taking these tests, as it changes how schools are evaluated for accountability. The policy applies to school grades issued starting in the 2025-2026 school year.
Maddy summarySB 159 prohibits most voters from casting ballots using voting machines or equipment connected to the internet, amending Tennessee election laws to ban internet-based ballot transmission. The bill directly affects all Tennessee voters except military personnel and citizens living overseas, who retain existing internet voting options under current law. Key provisions add a new rule requiring voting equipment to block internet ballot transmission, except for authorized military and overseas voters. This change aims to restrict internet voting access for the general electorate while preserving existing exceptions.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution designating October 11 as "General Pulaski Memorial Day" in Tennessee. It honors Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, a Revolutionary War hero who died from wounds sustained at the 1779 Siege of Savannah, by encouraging public observances on that date. The resolution does not create new laws, taxes, or programs - it solely recognizes Pulaski's contributions as a military leader and "Father of American Cavalry." It passed the Tennessee legislature in March 2025 to align with historical remembrance.
Maddy summarySB 265 would rename an international airport operated by a metropolitan airport authority in a county with over 500,000 residents (like Nashville) to "Trump International Airport." It requires the airport authority to update all trademarks, contracts, signage, and official documents to reflect the new name, including filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The bill directly affects the airport authority and its operations, but does not change airport policies or funding. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee and has not yet become law.
Maddy summarySB 825 prevents Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation from classifying prior converted cropland (land previously farmed that is federally exempt from wetland rules) as wetlands under state law. This directly affects landowners who own such properties, as it ensures they won't face additional state wetland regulations beyond federal exemptions. The bill amends Tennessee Code to require state agencies to align with federal classifications, removing potential conflicting state rules. The policy change is purely procedural, ensuring state enforcement matches federal exemptions for this specific land type.
Maddy summarySB 1408 would amend Tennessee law to allow drivers to physically hold wireless devices (like phones) while driving on most roads, but only outside school zones with active warning flashers or work zones with construction workers present. It maintains existing bans on texting, reaching for, or watching videos on devices while driving. Violations in school or work zones would carry a $200 fine, compared to $50 for other violations. The bill would take effect July 1, 2025, if passed.