Maddy summarySB 2673, the "Automotive Supply Chain Resilience and Expansion Act," provides financial support to Tennessee automotive manufacturers and suppliers facing disruptions from federal tariffs or global trade instability. It creates a fund for grants to cover cost mitigation, inventory diversification, workforce retention, and capital investments, plus tax credits and low-interest loans (up to 30% of eligible costs) for domestic sourcing or technology investments reducing reliance on tariff-affected imports. The bill also expands export assistance for affected businesses and allows state procurement agencies to adjust contract rules to favor domestic suppliers impacted by trade disruptions. Additionally, it establishes a task force to monitor trade policies and report biennially to the legislature on sector impacts and recommendations.
Sen. Raumesh Akbari
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 2666 shortens the deadline for courts to schedule depositions in elder abuse cases from 60 to 45 days after a motion to preserve testimony is filed. This applies specifically to cases involving alleged offenses against elderly or vulnerable adults under Tennessee law. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 39-15-504 and 71 to implement this timeline change. It directly affects courts, prosecutors, and defense attorneys handling these cases by requiring faster scheduling. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 2668 requires Tennessee public elementary and secondary schools to display two signs (instead of one) in highly visible, accessible locations, each showing the toll-free number for reporting child abuse or neglect to the Department of Children's Services. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Section 49-6-304(c), changing the signage requirement from one sign in a high-traffic area to two signs in clearly visible public areas. This directly affects all K-12 public schools in Tennessee, mandating increased visibility of the child abuse reporting hotline. The change takes effect upon the bill becoming law.
Maddy summarySB 2100 requires businesses that collect personal information for commercial purposes (like selling or sharing data) to annually register with Tennessee's Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. The bill mandates the division to create a free, accessible website where Tennessee consumers can submit a single deletion request to remove their personal information from all registered businesses at once, without needing to contact each company individually. The system must be secure, work for people with disabilities, and allow consumers to modify or verify requests, with businesses required to process deletions within 45 days or treat unverified requests as opt-outs for data sales. Non-compliant businesses face civil penalties under Tennessee's data protection law.
Maddy summarySB 1974, the "Parental Right to Participate in Schools Act," allows Tennessee state employees to take up to 48 hours annually for school-related activities of a dependent child, such as parent-teacher conferences or sporting events. Employees may use paid leave (like vacation days) or unpaid leave at their discretion, but must provide at least 10 days' advance written notice unless the event was unforeseeable. Employers must post notice of this policy in the workplace and face $100 daily fines for failing to do so, while the Department of Labor enforces compliance. The bill directly affects all Tennessee state employees with dependent children and amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 50, to create this leave entitlement. It takes effect July 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 2096 exempts child care agencies accredited by the U.S. Department of Defense (through programs meeting 32 CFR 79 standards) from Tennessee's licensing requirements, provided they serve only military-connected families (eligible patrons). This applies specifically to agencies operating under child development programs for military personnel and their families. The bill amends Tennessee Code § 71-3-503 to remove licensing obligations for these agencies, streamlining their operation. The exemption takes effect July 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySJR 573 is a commemorative resolution honoring Crossett Franklin, Sr. of Memphis, recognizing his 35 years of service as a state auditor, his work as a realtor, and his community involvement. It expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family and commemorates his life of public service, integrity, and dedication. The resolution was unanimously passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor in early 2026. As a memorial resolution, it does not create any legal obligations or policy changes.
Maddy summarySJR 572 is a commemorative resolution honoring Centenary United Methodist Church in Memphis for its historical marker dedication. It recognizes the church's 160-year role in community leadership, civil rights activism (including hosting MLK strategy sessions in 1968), and contributions to education and equality, such as founding Memphis's first Black kindergarten and Boy Scout troop. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it serves solely as symbolic recognition by the Tennessee General Assembly.
Maddy summarySB 2663 modifies Tennessee sentencing rules for defendants receiving split sentences (part jail time, part probation). It extends the mandatory continuous jail time from one year to three years for such cases, and requires the state to cover all incarceration costs after the first year. This directly affects individuals convicted of crimes who are sentenced to split confinement and probation. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 40-35-306 and 40-35-314, effective July 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 1834 would allow tow trucks (defined as "recovery vehicles" under Tennessee law) to display a single blue light (steady or flashing) on the rear of the vehicle, but not the front, when stationary and assisting another vehicle. This change specifically applies to tow trucks engaged in vehicle recovery or roadside assistance operations. The bill amends Tennessee Code §55-9-414 to update traffic light regulations for stationary tow truck operations. It does not affect lighting requirements for moving vehicles or other vehicle types.