Sen. Raumesh Akbari

Maddy summarySB 1188 expands Tennessee's "Helping Heroes Grant" to include veterans who received any U.S. combat or heroism medal authorized by Congress, broadening eligibility beyond previous criteria. It allows these veterans to use the grant for certificate programs at eligible colleges or universities, not just degree programs. The bill removes prior restrictions requiring recipients to pursue associate or bachelor's degrees, instead explicitly permitting certificate training. This change applies to the 2025-2026 academic year and future terms.

Maddy summarySB 1167 changes the deadline by which Tennessee's Department of Transportation must submit its annual report on litter prevention funding. The bill moves the submission date from March 31 to March 1 each year. This report details funds received from a 0.4% tax on bottled soft drinks, how the money was spent, and which litter prevention programs received funding. The change applies only to the reporting deadline and does not alter the tax or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summarySB 1165 would require Tennessee counties to include a non-binding ballot question on the November 2026 election ballot asking voters: "Should the State of Tennessee legalize the sale, possession, and use of medical marijuana? YES or NO?" The bill directly affects all Tennessee voters participating in the 2026 election and the state legislature, which would receive compiled results from the Secretary of State. The key provision mandates county election commissions to add this question to ballots and requires the Secretary of State to collect and forward the results to all legislators. The outcome of this poll would not legally bind the legislature to take any action on medical marijuana legalization.

Maddy summarySB 1171 extends the deadline for Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) members to submit workers' compensation settlement documents from 30 to 45 days after the settlement becomes final. This change directly affects current and future TCRS members who receive workers' compensation awards. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee law to update the timeline for providing settlement copies to the retirement system, with no other policy changes. The adjustment simplifies administrative compliance without altering benefit calculations or eligibility.

Maddy summarySB 580 requires the governor's office of faith-based and community initiatives to create a grant program funding nonprofit and faith-based child care programs for children four years old and younger. At least one-third of annual funds must go to these programs, with priority for providers in areas with high demand and limited child care for young children (defined as census tracts with over 50 children under five and either no licensed child care or a ratio of three children per available slot). To qualify, programs must be licensed, maintain good standing with human services, and charge families no more than 7% of household income. The program mandates annual reports to the legislature on grant distribution and usage.

Maddy summarySB 1174 requires Tennessee law enforcement agencies using body cameras to adopt written policies governing their use. These policies must mandate that officers activate cameras during all public encounters (except immediate safety threats), wear them properly to capture footage, and notify people they're being recorded. The bill also specifies exceptions: officers must ask residents before entering homes without a warrant, victims of domestic violence or rape, and anonymous crime reporters if they want the camera turned off. These policies must include training for officers and cover how recordings are handled. The law directly affects all state and local law enforcement agencies that use body cameras and the public they interact with during patrols and investigations.

Maddy summarySB 1169 exempts licensed child care agencies from Tennessee's charitable registration requirements. Specifically, it removes the need for these agencies - defined under state law as those licensed by the Department of Human Services - to register as charitable organizations when soliciting funds. The bill amends Tennessee Code § 48-101-502(a) to include this exemption, effective July 1, 2025. This change directly affects child care providers who previously had to comply with charitable registration rules.

Maddy summarySB 1356 directs Tennessee's governor to apply for a new federal waiver within 180 days of the bill's effective date. This waiver would expand TennCare coverage to cover individuals with gross annual incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. The coverage would begin only after federal approval, as specified in the bill. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 71, Chapter 5, to implement this change.

Maddy summarySB 1358 amends Tennessee law to increase paid bereavement leave for state government employees from three days to three months when a child or stepchild dies. Currently, employees receive three days of paid leave for the death of a child, but this bill extends that to three months without using accumulated leave. The bill also maintains existing three-day paid leave for the death of other family members, such as spouses, parents, or siblings. This change takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1173 revises Tennessee's property tax relief program for elderly, low-income homeowners by creating age-based reimbursement tiers. It provides property tax reimbursements ranging from 10% (at age 65) up to 100% (age 74+), calculated as a percentage of taxes paid on the assessed property value. The bill sets a $400,000 cap on eligible property value (adjusted annually for inflation using the CPI), and requires the comptroller to publish annual updates on the cap amount. This directly affects eligible elderly homeowners aged 65+ with low income who own property valued under the inflation-adjusted cap.