Sen. Raumesh Akbari

Maddy summarySJR 53 is a symbolic resolution honoring Memphis-born Grammy-nominated music producer Tay Keith (Brytavious Lakeith Chambers) for his musical achievements. It recognizes his work on chart-topping hits with artists like Drake, Megan Thee Stallion, and Travis Scott, his MTSU degree, and his contributions to Tennessee's cultural identity. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy - only expressing legislative appreciation for his career. The resolution was signed by the Governor on March 4, 2025, following passage by both legislative chambers.

Maddy summarySJR 19 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Victoria Eady Butler as the first Black female master blender in the premium whiskey industry. It recognizes her role at Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey (where she is the great-great-granddaughter of pioneering distiller Nathan "Nearest" Green) and her work with the Nearest Green Foundation. The resolution formally acknowledges her achievements without creating any new laws or policy changes. It was signed by the Governor on February 10, 2025, as a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summarySJR 188 is a commemorative resolution honoring Grace Bolton Freeman, a Memphis educator, banker, and community leader who passed away. The resolution formally recognizes her life and legacy, including her career with Memphis City Schools and Union Planters National Bank, her family, and her service to Mt. Pisgah C.M.E. Church. It was passed unanimously by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor in February 2025. As a procedural memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents.

Maddy summarySB 1160 designates December 14 of each year as "Hazel Moore Day" in Tennessee, honoring community leader Hazel Moore for her work in Whitehaven, including founding youth programs and health initiatives. The bill amends Tennessee Code (Titles 3 and 4) to formally recognize this day of observance, with no funding or policy changes attached. It directly affects state records and public recognition, commemorating Moore’s contributions without altering laws or regulations. This is a ceremonial measure, not a substantive legislative change.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 9 honors Terrell Carpenter for being named the 2025 Florida A. Collins Delta of the Year by the Memphis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., recognizing her community service and leadership. The resolution formally acknowledges her contributions to the sorority's mission of "Sisterhood, Scholarship, Service, and Social Action" through decades of volunteer work. The Tennessee Senate unanimously passed the resolution on February 13, 2025, with no opposing votes. This is a commemorative resolution with no binding policy impact, solely serving to express legislative recognition.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 10 recognizes the Tennessee Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for hosting "Delta Days at the Capitol" on February 17-18, 2025, an event focused on workshops about social issues like healthcare and education, and developing policy plans to improve community well-being. The resolution formally commends the sorority's service and advocacy efforts, expressing the Senate's gratitude for their commitment to public policy improvement. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 5 honors Dr. Priscilla Davis on her 80th birthday, recognizing her career as a speech-language pathologist, educator, and advocate for racial equality. The resolution highlights her personal resilience in overcoming polio as a child, her 30+ years of teaching at universities including the University of Alabama, and her leadership roles such as president of the Black Faculty and Staff Association. This symbolic gesture has no legislative effect or policy impact - it serves solely as a formal tribute from the Tennessee Senate.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 8) honoring the late Patricia Ann Jones Murphy of Memphis. It commemorates her life, public service, community involvement, and family legacy without creating any new laws or policies. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Tennessee Senate on February 13, 2025, expressing condolences to her family and recognizing her contributions as a public servant and community leader. As a memorial resolution, it has no direct effect on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summarySB 338 would amend Tennessee law to designate "Tennessee" by Arrested Development as the state's official song, adding it to the list of formal state symbols. The bill updates Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 1, Part 3, to include this song alongside existing symbols like the state anthem. This change is purely symbolic and does not alter any substantive laws, policies, or funding, as it only recognizes the song for ceremonial purposes.

Maddy summarySB 1189 removes criminal penalties for abortion in Tennessee and establishes two clear exceptions: abortions are permitted before fetal viability (determined by a physician's medical judgment) or when necessary to protect the pregnant person's life or health. The bill explicitly recognizes a fundamental right to reproductive health care, including abortion decisions, and states that a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus has no legal rights under Tennessee law. It directly affects all pregnant people in Tennessee by expanding access to abortion care within these defined limits and prohibits state entities from restricting these rights. The law amends Tennessee Code Sections 39-15-213, 63, and 68 to implement these changes.