Sen. Joey Hensley

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes the Christian Heritage Flag as the official symbol representing Tennessee's designated Christian Heritage Month (November). It does not create new laws or obligations but formally acknowledges a flag featuring religious symbolism - such as a white stripe for the Old Testament, blue stripes for the seven days of creation, and a medallion for the New Testament. The resolution applies to state observances during November, consistent with prior law designating November as Christian Heritage Month. It is a symbolic gesture with no policy impact beyond official recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Tennessee public schools and local education agencies to adopt a policy prohibiting students from using wireless communication devices (like phones, tablets, or laptops) during instructional time, except in specific cases. Exceptions include educational use permitted by a teacher, emergencies or health management, and use authorized by a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan. Schools must publish this policy online and may allow teachers to temporarily withhold devices from students who violate it. The rule takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year and applies to all public schools in Tennessee.

Maddy summarySB 1838 prohibits Tennessee's state university boards (including the University of Tennessee system) from granting new faculty tenure after July 1, 2026. It preserves existing tenure for faculty who received it before that date but blocks all new tenure awards moving forward. The bill amends state education codes to require universities to adopt tenure policies reflecting this change, while allowing termination for cause or financial reasons. This directly affects all faculty at Tennessee's public universities who might seek tenure after 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1424 amends Tennessee law to broaden the definition of "adult-oriented establishment" to include commercial venues that offer sexually oriented materials, adult cabaret entertainment, or specified sexual activities as secondary offerings - not just as their main business. This change directly affects businesses like adult bookstores with other products or venues hosting occasional adult entertainment, which previously might not have been covered under the definition. The key provision removes the requirement that such materials or activities must be the "principal or predominant stock or trade" for the definition to apply. The bill takes effect May 1, 2025, and would subject these expanded venues to the same regulatory requirements as current adult-oriented establishments.

Maddy summarySB 2344 changes Tennessee election law by requiring election officials to arrive at polling places one hour before polls open, instead of the current 30 minutes. This directly affects election officials at all polling locations statewide. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-7-105(a), to update the required arrival time. The change is a procedural adjustment to election operations with no other policy changes. It takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Maddy summarySB 2411 changes how Tennessee calculates property taxes for residential homes by setting the taxable value at the higher of the home's most recent sale price or the value assigned by a bank when the owner refinances or uses the home as loan collateral. It also protects homeowners who have lived in their primary residence as a U.S. citizen for 10+ years by preventing tax sales to collect unpaid property taxes, provided they prove residency and citizenship. The bill requires property owners to submit evidence of 10 years as a primary residence and U.S. citizenship to qualify for this protection, and once verified, interest stops accruing on the tax debt. These changes apply to properties sold or refinanced after December 2020, with existing appraisals remaining valid until 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2302 removes the offense of carrying a firearm with intent to go armed and prohibits firearms in K-12 public/private schools and school buses when posted (requiring visible signage), while also deleting firearm restrictions on university campuses. It rewrites laws about handgun possession while intoxicated, carrying weapons during court proceedings, and adds new provisions allowing property owners to display deadly force against unlawful trespassers who refuse to leave. The bill creates legal immunity for individuals using force justified under new self-defense rules, requiring law enforcement to investigate justification claims before confiscating weapons or filing charges. This directly affects students, school staff, property owners, and law enforcement in Tennessee.

Maddy summarySB 1986 allows Tennessee medical examiners to deny body or organ donations after death when the death is suspicious, unusual, or unnatural. Medical examiners may refuse requests if donation would harm forensic investigations, destroy evidence, delay autopsies, or conflict with their duties. Organ donation groups must now provide detailed pre-donation plans (including surgical approach) and post-donation records (photos, medical tests) to the medical examiner. This directly affects medical examiners, organ procurement organizations, and families seeking to donate a loved one's body or organs.

Maddy summarySB 1941 increases penalties for assaulting firefighters, emergency responders, and others providing emergency assistance while they are responding to calls. It changes the offense from a Class A misdemeanor (30-day minimum jail term and $5,000 fine) to a Class E felony (60-day minimum jail term and $10,000 fine). The bill amends Tennessee law to require these mandatory sentences and fines for such assaults, applying directly to anyone who physically harms emergency personnel during their duties. This change specifically targets violent acts against those on the front lines of emergencies.

Maddy summarySB 1839 changes Tennessee's vehicle registration fee structure by removing the $100 additional fee from regular hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and applying it only to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). This directly affects owners of HEVs, who will no longer pay this fee, while PHEV owners will continue to pay the $100 annual registration charge. The bill amends Tennessee Code §55-4-116 to specify that the fee applies solely to plug-in hybrids, effective January 1, 2027. This is a policy adjustment to narrow the fee's scope, not a new fee for all electric vehicles.