Sen. Raumesh Akbari

Maddy summarySB 2693 would change Millington, Tennessee’s mayoral residency requirement from 60 days to one full year before an election. This affects candidates running for mayor in Millington by requiring them to have lived in the city continuously for at least one year prior to the election. The bill amends Chapter 238 of Millington’s charter to replace the current 60-day residency standard with the one-year requirement. It requires approval by Millington’s local legislative body before taking effect.

Maddy summarySB 1700, the "Curbing Harmful AI Technology (CHAT) Act," regulates companion chatbots that interact with minors under 18 in Tennessee. It requires operators to prevent chatbots from encouraging self-harm, violence, illegal activity, or secrecy, and mandates clear disclaimers that the user is not interacting with a human (at login, every 30 minutes, and when seeking regulated advice). Developers must also include mental health crisis referrals for users expressing suicidal ideation. The law directly affects companies developing or deploying companion chatbots targeting minors, excluding those used for customer service, internal business, or clinical settings under professional supervision.

Maddy summarySB 232 allows Tennessee county election commissions to designate specific restrooms in election buildings for campaign workers and volunteers working outside polling places. It requires campaign staff to cover or remove campaign materials before using these restrooms and prohibits them from entering polling areas or soliciting votes within the designated boundary. Violations could result in penalties under existing election law. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and directly affects campaign staff during elections.

Maddy summarySB 2669 increases the personal and professional leave accumulation rate for Tennessee teachers, principals, and school personnel from one day per half-year to two days per half-year. It directly affects all public school staff covered under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 49, Section 49-5-711(a). The bill amends the leave calculation method in state law, requiring local school boards to allow two days of leave for each half-year of employment (previously one day). The change will take effect July 1, 2026, and also updates Section 49-5-205(a) to align with the new four-day annual leave standard.

Maddy summarySB 2377 changes the annual deadline for Tennessee's Department of Education to update its list of student rights laws. The bill requires the department to complete this update by July 1 each year, instead of within 60 days after the legislative session ends. This affects the department's administrative process and ensures parents, students, and schools have a consistent, yearly updated reference for student rights under Tennessee law.

Maddy summarySB 1170 removes the killing of another committed during certain crimes (like robbery or burglary) from the definition of first-degree murder in Tennessee law. It deletes legal provisions that allowed prosecutors to charge individuals as "criminally responsible" for others' actions, including facilitating felonies or acting as an accomplice under specific sections. The bill amends multiple parts of Tennessee’s criminal code (including Titles 39 and 40) to eliminate these references and provisions. This change directly affects how prosecutors handle cases involving killings during crimes and reduces potential charges for indirect involvement in felonies. The bill focuses on clarifying legal definitions rather than creating new penalties.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution honors Senior Deputy Attorney General Scott Sutherland on the occasion of his retirement after fifteen years of service to the State of Tennessee. The document formally acknowledges his career achievements, including his leadership roles in criminal appeals, law enforcement, and civil law, as well as his receipt of the 2023 William M. Leech Jr. Award. It expresses the General Assembly's appreciation for his dedication to public service, his management of other attorneys, and his commitment to upholding the law and protecting victims. Ultimately, the resolution serves as a ceremonial tribute rather than a policy change, wishing Sutherland a happy retirement and authorizing the presentation of a copy of the text to him.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution formally congratulates John Patrick and Susan Marie Hallett on their 45th wedding anniversary. The bill recognizes the couple as exemplary citizens and includes biographical details about their marriage, careers, and family. It directs the state to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to the Halletts upon their request.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month in Tennessee to raise public understanding of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease. The resolution highlights the disease's impact on patients and families, notes the lack of a known cure, and acknowledges the vital role of research and support organizations like the ALS Association. It serves as a commemorative measure to honor those affected by the disease and to encourage continued support for research and advocacy efforts.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 449 is a commemorative measure that honors three high school students from Memphis East T-STEM Academy for winning third prize in the C-SPAN StudentCam competition. The resolution formally recognizes Paytn Gibson, Carter Holmes, and Ty Miller for their video documentary on immigration reform, which was part of a national contest celebrating America's 250th anniversary. This legislative action serves to acknowledge the students' achievements and civic engagement without altering any laws or policies.