Sen. Raumesh Akbari

Maddy summarySB 1969 creates a 11-member state uterine fibroids commission to address health concerns related to uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis. The commission, appointed by the governor (including patient members and healthcare representatives) and legislative leaders, will advise state agencies on prevention, treatment, and care policies. Key provisions include researching state regulations, holding annual public hearings, and submitting annual reports to the legislature by December 31. The commission directly affects women diagnosed with these conditions, state health departments, and healthcare providers through its advisory role. It does not change funding or direct medical care but aims to improve policy coordination and public health monitoring.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 329 honors the Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., on the 100th anniversary of its founding. The resolution recognizes the chapter as the first Greek-letter organization permitted on Fisk University campus and the first Delta Sigma Theta chapter established in Tennessee, highlighting its century of community service, educational advocacy, and leadership. It specifically commemorates the chapter's founding on January 13, 1913, and its chartering on March 13, 1926, at Fisk University. This resolution has no binding policy effect - it is a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summarySB 2098 prohibits vape shop retailers, distributors, wholesalers, and importers from selling or offering nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for retail sale in Tennessee. It directly affects businesses operating vape shops or handling vape products, imposing fines starting at $500 per violation for first offenses, increasing to $1,000-$1,500 for third violations within a year, and adding license suspensions or revocations for repeat offenses. Manufacturers causing nitrous oxide to be sold through these channels face $10,000 fines per product. The law creates civil penalties (not criminal charges) and treats repeated violations as deceptive trade practices, effective July 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1181 shortens the notice period required for hearings on petitions to restore citizenship rights (like voting rights after a conviction) from 20 to 15 days. It directly affects individuals petitioning for restored rights and two specific district attorneys: the one in the petitioner’s current county and the one in the county where the conviction occurred. The bill amends Tennessee Code § 40-29-103 to require this reduced 15-day notice period, allowing prosecutors more time to review and potentially oppose petitions if they choose. This is a procedural change to the notice requirement, not a policy shift on eligibility for rights restoration.

Maddy summarySB 235 requires Tennessee law enforcement agencies to contact an officer's previous employers as part of background checks when hiring new officers with prior law enforcement experience. This amendment to Tennessee law (TCA Title 38, Chapter 8) modifies the requirement for verifying "good moral character" by adding a specific step: agencies must reach out to prior law enforcement agencies that employed the candidate. The bill directly affects all Tennessee law enforcement agencies conducting background investigations for new hires. It makes no changes to the definition of "good moral character" but adds a procedural requirement for verifying an officer's history.

Maddy summarySJR 580 designates July 2026 as "Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month" in Tennessee. This non-binding resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to raise public awareness about uterine fibroids - a condition affecting up to 80% of women by age 50 - by encouraging educational efforts and conversations during that month. It follows existing annual awareness campaigns and focuses on informing residents about symptoms, prevention, and treatment options. The resolution directly affects Tennesseans by promoting community engagement around this health issue.

Maddy summarySB 1351 requires the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to keep copies of all original investigative materials - such as audio/video recordings, transcripts, documents, and digital files - with each case file. This applies to all materials generated by the TBI that are relevant to an investigation. The bill amends Tennessee law to mandate this documentation practice across TBI cases. It directly affects TBI investigators and case management systems by establishing a new record-keeping standard. The law would take effect upon becoming law, ensuring all TBI investigations maintain complete digital and physical documentation.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 289 is a unanimous resolution by the Tennessee Senate to commend Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for its Tennessee Days at the Capitol event and to recognize the sorority's 113-year history of community service and social action in the Southern Region. The resolution honors the organization's founding in 1913, its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, and its centennial celebration of social action efforts. It serves as a formal acknowledgment of the sorority's contributions to Tennessee communities through initiatives in education, health, and civic engagement.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the late musician Steve Cropper, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist known for his work with Stax Records and hits like "Soul Man" and "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay." It recognizes his contributions to the "Memphis Soul" sound and his influence on American music through songs ranked among the greatest of all time. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply commemorates his legacy with a formal statement from Tennessee's legislature.

Maddy summarySJR 578 is a ceremonial resolution commending the Memphis-based arts organization UNAPOLOGETIC on its tenth anniversary. It recognizes the organization's work since 2015 in celebrating diverse artistic expression through music, visual art, and storytelling, which the resolution describes as "champion[ing] authenticity" and amplifying local talent. The resolution has no legal effect - it is purely symbolic recognition, expressing the Tennessee General Assembly's support for UNAPOLOGETIC's community impact. It was unanimously passed by both chambers and signed by legislative leaders in early 2026.