Sen. Joey Hensley

Maddy summarySB 820 authorizes Tennessee's board of regents to provide its tenure policy in either electronic format or printed physical copies. This bill directly affects faculty and staff at public universities who rely on accessing tenure rules, as it changes how the policy is distributed. The key provision adds language to state code allowing the board flexibility in making the policy available, without altering the actual tenure requirements or standards. The bill does not change tenure eligibility or processes, only the format for policy access.

Maddy summarySB 822 allows Tennessee virtual schools to administer the state's standard TCAP tests (Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program) online to students, rather than in person, if they follow specific security rules. The bill requires virtual schools to conduct tests during live, synchronized sessions with video monitoring by a proctor, maintain a student-to-proctor ratio of no more than 10:1, and prevent students from leaving their testing area until the proctor permits. Schools must provide a second device for monitoring if the test platform lacks built-in video capabilities, and all virtual test administration must align with the state's official testing window. This policy directly affects Tennessee virtual schools and their students, taking effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summarySB 264 requires TennCare to certify eligible healthcare providers' unreimbursed costs (the difference between 125% of federal Medicaid rates and TennCare payments) as charitable contributions for federal tax purposes. To qualify, providers must pay TennCare a $25 annual fee (or $25 per provider in a group practice) by January 15 each year. TennCare must then issue a certification by January 31 of the following year, allowing providers to deduct these costs on federal tax returns. The bill applies to contributions made on or after July 1, 2025, and amends Tennessee Code Title 67, Chapter 4.

Maddy summarySB 656 amends Tennessee law to increase the maximum mileage limit for conventional and Class D school buses from 200,000 miles to 230,000 miles, specifically updating Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 49-6-2109(b)(2) and relevant provisions in Title 55. This change directly affects school bus operators and transportation departments in Tennessee by extending the allowable operational lifespan of qualifying school buses. The bill modifies a technical mileage standard without altering safety requirements or operational procedures. It does not impose new costs or requirements but adjusts an existing maintenance threshold. The legislation is currently under review by the Senate Education Committee.

Maddy summarySB 458 amends Tennessee law to require the commissioner of health to include the legislative librarian in the annual report on dental supervision in state institutions. This change affects the commissioner of health (who must now submit the report to the legislative librarian) and the legislative librarian (who gains access to this report). The bill makes a simple procedural update to the reporting requirements under Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 68-1-303(b), without altering substantive dental oversight policies.

Maddy summarySB 1403 extends the required notice period for pharmacy audits from two to three weeks before an on-site inspection. This change directly affects pharmacists and pharmacies, requiring covered entities (like pharmacy benefits managers, state agencies, or their agents) to provide written notice 3 weeks in advance instead of 2 weeks per audit cycle. The bill amends Tennessee Code Section 56-7-3103(a)(1) and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1096 allows existing places of worship in Tennessee to host educational programs (like after-school classes or community workshops) without needing to reclassify the building's occupancy type, provided they meet specific fire safety upgrades. Key requirements include installing interconnected smoke detectors with battery backup, audible/strobe alarms for hearing-impaired individuals, clearly marked exits, and fire extinguishers on each floor. Buildings complying with these safety standards are exempt from needing automatic fire sprinkler systems. The bill directly affects current religious facilities seeking to expand educational offerings while maintaining their existing use. It takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 818 requires ride-hail drivers in Tennessee to hold a valid Tennessee driver's license to accept prearranged rides originating in the state, banning unlicensed drivers from providing such services. Transportation network companies must verify drivers have a valid license before allowing them to accept trips, facing $1,000 fines per violation for noncompliance. The bill allows limited exceptions for residents of Desoto County, Mississippi, or Crittenden County, Arkansas, who can obtain licenses with proof of residency. It also establishes a one-year license term with renewal via the Department of Commerce and Insurance website, effective January 2026.

Maddy summarySB 615 amends Tennessee law to change the deadline for the Workers' Compensation Advisory Council from providing meeting summaries to legislative committees. Specifically, it shortens the required timeframe from "10 business days" to "10 calendar days" after a meeting, meaning weekends and holidays now count toward the deadline. This procedural change directly affects the advisory council and legislative committees with jurisdiction over commerce, streamlining their reporting timeline. The bill does not alter workers' compensation benefits or claims processes, only the administrative schedule for committee communications.

Maddy summarySB 658 requires Tennessee voters to present a valid, unexpired photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport) when registering to vote. It specifies that expired or invalid IDs, like a lapsed driver's license, cannot be used for registration purposes. County election commissions must refuse to register applicants who fail to provide such valid identification at the time of application. This law applies to all new voter registrations in the state and takes effect upon becoming law.