Sen. Raumesh Akbari

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 575) recognizing the West Tennessee Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church for its 151st session held in Memphis (October 7-11, 2025). It formally commends the conference’s leadership, clergy, and lay delegates for their community service and commitment to spiritual and social development. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is solely a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the church’s longstanding contributions to Tennessee. (Note: Procedural resolutions like this do not impact laws or directly affect constituents.)

Maddy summarySJR 579 is a commemorative resolution honoring Marzie Thomas, a Memphis community leader and former publisher of *The Tri-State Defender*. It recognizes her 16-year career at the newspaper, her work as a special assistant to U.S. Representative Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), and her service as his district director. The resolution expresses condolences to her family and commemorates her legacy of public service, community engagement, and dedication to Memphis residents. As a memorial resolution, it has no legislative effect - it solely serves to honor her memory.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 576 is a resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to recognize the Memphis Alumni Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity on its 90th anniversary. The resolution commends the chapter's long-standing community service through its programs in business development, education, social action, and youth development. It honors the chapter's history since its 1935 founding and its commitment to the motto "Culture for Service and Service for Humanity." This resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the chapter's contributions to Memphis.

Maddy summarySJR 574 is a commemorative resolution honoring Dr. Barbara Alfreda Duncan-Cody, a pioneering Memphis physician and community leader. It recognizes her legacy as the first Black female OB/GYN to open a private practice in Memphis, her 45+ years in medicine, and her service on community boards, including the Shelby County 911 Board. The resolution expresses condolences to her family and commemorates her contributions to healthcare and civic life. As a memorial resolution, it does not create policy or affect any specific group.

Maddy summarySJR 577 is a memorial resolution honoring Julian Taylor Bolton, a former Shelby County Commission member and public servant from Memphis. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's condolences to Bolton's family and commemorates his 24-year service on the Shelby County Commission, his career as an educator and attorney, and his community contributions. It does not enact policy changes but formally recognizes his legacy of public service and community impact through a symbolic legislative tribute.

Maddy summarySJR 582 is a commemorative resolution honoring Minister Michaele Anne Byers, a retired Shelby County Sheriff's Department Captain and longtime community leader. The resolution formally recognizes her 32-year career with the sheriff's department, her service in the Faith Christian Church, and her contributions to Memphis and Eads communities. It expresses the General Assembly's condolences to her family and commemorates her legacy of public service, faith, and family values. As a procedural memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents.

Maddy summarySB 2394 requires the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to submit its report on strategies to increase mental health and substance abuse resources in electronic format. The report must detail plans for services funded by Medicaid, TennCare, or other public and private sources. This bill amends specific sections of Tennessee law to mandate the electronic submission format, without changing the report's content or requirements.

Maddy summarySB 2393 requires municipal electric plants in Tennessee to make their current rate schedules, charges, and service regulations publicly available online, in addition to maintaining physical copies at offices and municipal clerk locations. This directly affects municipal electric plant operators and their customers by increasing transparency about electricity pricing and service rules. The bill amends Tennessee law to mandate this electronic accessibility, ensuring the public can easily access these documents without visiting physical offices. It does not change rate levels or service terms, only how the information is made available.

Maddy summarySB 2672, the "Tennessee Businesses First Act," requires Tennessee counties, municipalities, and local education agencies to create a 30-day exclusive bidding period for local businesses on public contracts exceeding $25,000 (or $50,000 for entities without centralized purchasing). To qualify as a "local business," a company must have a physical office in the county for at least 12 months, employ local residents, and be registered in Tennessee. During the 30-day period, only local businesses can bid, and if multiple local bids are received, the lowest responsible bidder gets the contract - though local businesses can match lower out-of-county bids after the period to retain the contract. The law mandates annual reporting on contracts awarded to local businesses, dollars retained locally, and job creation impacts.

Maddy summarySB 2671, the "Community Faith Transportation and Service Protection Act," requires the state to provide secondary liability insurance for vehicles owned or leased by faith-based organizations (like churches, synagogues, mosques, or 501(c)(3) religious nonprofits) when used for specific community services - including healthcare access, food security, disability assistance, elder care, or social services. The state-backed coverage, administered through the risk management fund, guarantees $1 million per incident for bodily injury and $250,000 for property damage, applying when drivers have valid licenses and activities aren’t for private profit. The bill prohibits private insurers from denying coverage, excluding nonprofit use, or raising premiums solely due to community service activities, and voids any conflicting policy terms. It also shields faith-based organizations from liability for injuries in community service use unless caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct.