Sen. Raumesh Akbari

Maddy summarySB 344 requires every public school and charter school in Tennessee to ensure at least one full-time employee at each school receives annual training in seizure safety and first aid to assist students or staff during medical emergencies. This applies to all local school districts (LEAs) and public charter schools, excluding school nurses. The bill also provides liability protection for trained staff who unintentionally cause injury during emergencies, as long as their actions weren’t willful misconduct or gross negligence. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1178 requires Tennessee's Department of Disability and Aging and TennCare to create guidelines enabling family members to work as caregivers for people with disabilities. It prohibits Medicaid service providers from denying employment to qualified family caregivers based on factors like family relationship, residence, age, or guardianship status. The bill also prevents providers from reducing benefits for individuals with disabilities solely because their caregiver is a family member. These changes ensure family caregivers can work without discrimination under Tennessee's Medicaid programs.

Maddy summarySB 582 requires Tennessee's Department of Education to set two enrollment deadlines for state-funded pre-kindergarten programs. At-risk students turning four by August 15 must enroll by the start of the school year, while non-disabled four-year-olds or those eligible at age three must enroll by August 30. This applies to all school districts offering voluntary pre-K, ensuring consistent enrollment timelines for specific student groups. The law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 153 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Tennessee Senate on April 21, 2025, to honor Layla Abudallah as the 2025 valedictorian of Middle College High School. It recognizes her academic achievements, including an exemplary GPA and involvement in extracurricular activities, and extends commendation to her family, school, and community. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic tribute, adopted unanimously with 33 ayes and 0 nays. It was signed by the Senate Speaker on April 25, 2025, and will be presented to the honoree.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 245 is a formal commendation by the Tennessee Senate honoring Kortland Whalum, a Memphis-based theater performer and soul artist, for his contributions to music and the arts. The resolution recognizes his career in Memphis theater (including performances in *The Wiz* and *Cats*), his role as a vocal instructor at Stax Music Academy, and his family's musical legacy, including his 2021 neo-soul EP *A Love Letter*. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute to his community impact and artistic achievements.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 146) passed by the Tennessee Senate to formally commend Akeelah Phillips, the 2025 salutatorian of Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering. It recognizes her academic achievements, including her high grade point average and extracurricular involvement, as "exceptional" and "deserving of respect." The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it simply offers the Senate's public praise and best wishes for her future. The Senate unanimously adopted it (33-0) on April 21, 2025, and it was signed by the Senate Speaker.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 155) formally commends Jamarcus Olden, the 2025 Valedictorian of Fairley High School, for his academic achievements. It recognizes his high grade point average, extracurricular involvement, and dedication to excellence as a student. The resolution serves solely as a ceremonial honor from the Tennessee Senate, with no policy changes or direct effects on laws, funding, or regulations. It was unanimously adopted by the Senate on April 21, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 152) formally honors Atleana Murrell, the 2025 Salutatorian of Middle College High School in Tennessee, for her academic achievements. It recognizes her high grade point average, extracurricular involvement, and dedication to excellence during her high school career. The resolution, adopted unanimously by the Tennessee Senate on April 21, 2025, serves as a symbolic commendation and extends best wishes for her future success. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges an individual student's accomplishments.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 149) honoring Kimberly Maldonado, the 2025 valedictorian of Whitehaven High School in Memphis, Tennessee. It recognizes her academic achievements, including her high GPA and extracurricular involvement, as a model of excellence. The resolution was unanimously passed by the Tennessee Senate (33-0) and signed by the Senate Speaker on April 25, 2025. As a symbolic gesture, it has no policy impact and directly affects only Kimberly Maldonado through formal commendation.

Maddy summarySR 154 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring Kaden Lee Gritzmaker, the 2025 salutatorian of Fairley High School in Tennessee. It formally recognizes his academic achievements, including his high grade point average and extracurricular involvement, as a "tremendous source of pride" for his community. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Tennessee Senate on April 21, 2025, and signed by the Senate Speaker. This procedural resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to commend an individual student's accomplishments.