Sen. Raumesh Akbari

Maddy summarySB 1177 allows court clerks in Tennessee counties with over 366,200 residents (like Nashville) to automatically expunge eligible criminal records without requiring individuals to file petitions or obtain court orders. It applies specifically to people qualifying for expungement under certain categories (e.g., dismissed charges or specific misdemeanor convictions) without cost. Court clerks would process these expungements directly, and other agencies must treat their notice as equivalent to a court order. This reduces barriers for eligible individuals in large counties by eliminating the need for them to navigate the traditional petition process.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Tennessee's governor to expand Medicaid eligibility solely for sickle cell disease treatment, as permitted under federal law. It directly affects patients diagnosed with sickle cell disease in Tennessee who would gain access to Medicaid coverage for their treatment. The key mechanism requires the governor to negotiate terms with federal Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement this targeted expansion under the Affordable Care Act. The bill amends specific Tennessee laws (TCA Title 4 and 71, Chapter 5) to authorize this limited Medicaid expansion.

Maddy summarySB 1180 requires private schools participating in Tennessee's education scholarship programs (including education freedom scholarships, individualized education accounts, and education savings accounts) to conduct background checks on all teachers and staff with direct contact with students or access to school grounds during student hours. These checks must be fingerprint or Social Security number-based and include state/national sex offender registries, the state abuse registry, and verification of educator license status. The bill mandates that schools exclude individuals barred from working in nonpublic schools or who pose a safety risk to students. It directly affects private schools enrolling students using state-funded scholarship programs, not public schools or general private school staff. The law aims to enhance safety protocols for students in these specific educational settings.

Maddy summarySB 1327 removes a reporting requirement from Tennessee law that previously mandated the Board of Regents, the University of Tennessee, and the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association to submit an annual report by April 1, 2009, detailing their efforts to prevent copyright infringement on school networks. The bill deletes this specific provision from Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, effectively eliminating the obligation for these institutions to provide such reports. This change addresses an outdated requirement with a 2009 deadline that no longer applies. The bill does not alter how institutions handle copyright issues or impose new obligations.

Maddy summarySB 1419 requires Tennessee colleges and universities to implement programs for student-athletes covering name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. It allows institutions to collect "talent fees" from ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorships to fund NIL opportunities, mandating that at least 50% of these funds go directly to athletes and their certified representatives. The bill also requires mandatory workshops on NIL contracts, taxes, and branding, and establishes a statewide oversight committee to monitor NIL activities and resolve disputes. This bill directly affects all intercollegiate athletes at Tennessee's four-year public and private higher education institutions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally honors Patricia Pryor Degrafinreid for her 70th birthday, recognizing her career as an educator, family life, and community service in Memphis. It does not create new laws or policies, as it is a ceremonial tribute. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Tennessee Senate on March 24, 2025, with no opposing votes. It directly affects only Patricia Pryor Degrafinreid, celebrating her personal milestone.

Maddy summarySB 1190 would raise Tennessee's minimum wage to $20.00 per hour or the current federal minimum wage, whichever is higher, for most workers. It directly affects employers across Tennessee who are not already exempt under federal law (such as certain interstate commerce businesses). The bill requires employers to pay this higher rate, with penalties including back pay, double damages, and attorney fees for violations. It amends Tennessee labor laws to align with this new standard, effective January 1, 2026, if passed.

Maddy summarySB 1357 would increase Tennessee's minimum hourly wage from $7.25 to $20 for most workers, effective July 1, 2025. It requires employers to pay at least $20 per hour (or the federal minimum, whichever is higher), pay 1.5 times the regular rate for overtime (hours over 40 weekly), and post wage rules visibly. Employees could sue for unpaid wages plus damages, court costs, and attorney fees within 2-3 years. The bill directly affects all covered employees and employers across Tennessee under state labor law, amending Title 50, Chapter 2, and related statutes.

Maddy summarySB 1192 requires Tennessee's Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of building a new Mississippi River bridge connecting Tennessee to Arkansas, including related highway infrastructure. The study must be completed by February 1, 2026, and report findings - including potential funding sources and development timelines - to transportation committees in both legislative chambers. This bill directly affects the Tennessee DOT, mandating a formal assessment before any construction decisions. It does not authorize construction or funding but sets a timeline for evaluating the project’s viability. The study aims to inform future legislative action on the bridge project.

Maddy summarySB 588, the "Tennessee for Tampons Act," requires all public colleges and universities in Tennessee to provide free tampons and sanitary napkins in every women's and girls' bathroom and locker room. The bill mandates that institutions collaborate with student governments and building maintenance staff to manage and restock these products. This law, effective July 1, 2025, directly affects public higher education institutions across Tennessee by ensuring access to period products.