Sen. Raumesh Akbari

Maddy summarySB 583 creates a grant program for Tennessee public schools in counties with a teen crime rate (ages 10-17) at least 10% higher than the statewide average. The Tennessee Department of Education will award grants to eligible school districts (LEAs) to fund after-school programs for students in grades K-12, requiring programs to include educational activities. Funds can expand existing programs, start new ones, or partner with 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Schools must report annually on participation and program outcomes to the legislature.

Maddy summarySB 1161 prohibits Tennessee public schools and charter schools from suspending or expelling students in pre-kindergarten through second grade (pre-K-2) unless their behavior poses a physical safety threat to others. Schools may suspend these students for up to three days only if they first allow time for the student’s emotions to calm, involve school staff to discuss behavior with the student and parent/guardian, and notify parents on the suspension day. The bill directly affects pre-K-2 students and school staff, requiring specific steps before any short-term suspension. It applies to all local education agencies and public charter schools starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The policy aims to limit punitive discipline for young children while prioritizing safety exceptions.

Maddy summarySB 1179, the "Hollyssee Act," directs Tennessee's Department of Economic and Community Development to create a large-scale arts, entertainment, and media megasite. It requires identifying a location, building facilities like film soundstages, performance venues, art galleries, and VR spaces, and developing workforce training programs with local schools. The bill allocates $250 million for initial development in fiscal year 2025-2026 and offers tax incentives, grants, and public-private partnerships to attract businesses. This directly affects the state department, local communities hosting the site, arts/entertainment businesses, and workers through new training and job opportunities.

Maddy summarySB 834 requires Tennessee's Higher Education Commission to create a report detailing state funding per student for each land grant institution in the state from 1987 to 2020. The report must be submitted to the Tennessee General Assembly by December 31, 2025, after consultation with the Department of Finance and Administration. This bill is a procedural reporting requirement only, not a policy change affecting current funding levels or institutions. It directly affects the Higher Education Commission and the General Assembly by mandating a historical analysis of past appropriations.

Maddy summarySB 1355 proposes the "Guaranteed Basic Income Act," which would require Tennessee's Department of Human Services to create a program providing eligible residents with an annual $3,000 grant starting in 2026. It directly affects Tennessee residents aged 18+ who hold a valid TN ID, live full-time in the state, and resided there the previous year. The program would pay the grant monthly or semi-monthly upon application, with recipients needing to reapply yearly. Funding would come from a dedicated state fund, including state appropriations and potential tax allocations, with unspent balances carried forward annually. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 37) commends Sheila Whalum of Memphis for her community leadership and contributions, specifically recognizing her nine-year role as executive director of the Whalum Center for Music at Visible Music College. It highlights her family's musical legacy in Memphis, prior service as deputy director of Memphis Finance, authorship of a book, and mentorship at the University of Memphis. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely offers formal recognition through the Tennessee Senate. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Senate on March 13, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 40 is a symbolic honor recognizing Memphis musician Kirk Whalum for his four-decade career in R&B and smooth jazz. It commends his achievements - including Grammy nominations, work with artists like Whitney Houston, and contributions to music and community - without creating any new laws or affecting policies. The resolution does not impose obligations or alter rights, as it is purely ceremonial. It was unanimously adopted by the Tennessee Senate on March 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 207), not a policy bill. It formally recognizes and commends the nonprofit organization Peer Power for its 20th anniversary of providing tutoring, mentoring, and workforce development services in Memphis public schools. The resolution highlights Peer Power's work since 2004, including over 1.2 million hours of student support and a 91% student graduation rate among participants. It expresses the legislature's gratitude for the organization's educational impact but does not create any new laws, funding, or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (not a bill) honoring Memphis musician Kameron Whalum. It recognizes his work as a trombonist, singer, and member of Silk Sonic, his family's musical legacy in Memphis, his education, and his role as a Berklee City Music Ambassador mentoring young artists. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely a symbolic tribute adopted unanimously by the Tennessee Senate on March 13, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 39 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Pastor Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr., of Memphis, for his community service and ministry. It formally commends him for his work as pastor of the New Olivet Worship Center and his contributions to Memphis through four generations of his family in music, worship, and public service. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply recognizes his lifetime of service with a formal Senate acknowledgment. It was unanimously adopted by the Tennessee Senate on March 13, 2025.