Sen. Raumesh Akbari

Maddy summarySB 1159, the "Proximity Placement and Family Visitation Incentive Act," allows eligible incarcerated individuals in Tennessee to transfer to correctional facilities closer to their home counties if they meet specific criteria. It directly affects inmates who maintain good behavior for at least 12 months and participate in rehabilitation programs, as well as their families who face travel costs or hardship visiting them. The bill’s key mechanism requires inmates to demonstrate good conduct and program participation to qualify for transfer, with priority given to those with regular family visitation records or documented economic hardship from travel. The Tennessee Department of Correction must track visitation metrics, transfer requests, and outcomes to implement the law. This policy aims to strengthen family bonds, reduce recidivism, and lower financial burdens on low-income families.

Maddy summarySB 579 would provide eligible Tennessee workers 12 weeks of job-protected leave for recovery after living organ donation surgery, with leave counted toward employment seniority. It prohibits insurers from denying coverage or charging more for life, disability, or long-term care insurance solely because someone is a living organ donor. The bill also requires the Tennessee Department of Health to create and post public educational materials about living organ donation by July 2025, covering benefits, risks, and insurance impacts. This bill directly affects living organ donors, employers, and insurance providers in Tennessee.

Maddy summarySB 1697 requires Tennessee's Department of Health to test every newborn for sickle cell trait starting on the bill's effective date. If a newborn tests positive for sickle cell trait, the department must notify the parent or legal guardian as soon as practicable. The bill directly affects all newborns in Tennessee born on or after the effective date and their families by adding this screening to the state's newborn health program. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 5, to establish this mandatory testing and notification process.

Maddy summarySB 1970 allows non-citizens in Tennessee to access their own law enforcement records, such as arrest reports or incident reports, which previously were restricted to state citizens. To obtain these records, non-citizens must submit a written request, valid photo ID, and a signed affidavit confirming the record pertains solely to them. The bill amends Tennessee’s public records law (TCA Title 10, Chapter 7) to override a prior citizenship restriction for this specific purpose. It does not affect confidential records or grant access to records about others. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1213 ensures that English language learner (ELL) students in Tennessee public schools can receive the same language assistance services during standardized tests (like TCAP or end-of-course assessments) that they received in their regular classroom, provided the support doesn’t invalidate the test. It directly affects ELL students who previously may have been denied these accommodations during testing. The bill defines "language assistance services" as either: (1) support from an ESL-certified teacher under an individual learning plan, or (2) classroom accommodations provided by general teachers when parents waived ESL services. This policy change applies starting the 2025-2026 school year for all state-mandated assessments.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally congratulates John Patrick and Susan Marie Hallett on their 45th wedding anniversary. The measure directly affects only the Hallett couple by offering official legislative recognition of their long-term marriage. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute to their personal milestone. The resolution highlights their family history and community involvement as part of the tribute.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the deadline for Tennessee's Department of Revenue to submit an annual report on sales taxes collected from electronic nicotine delivery devices (ENDS). Instead of submitting the report by February 1 each year, the department must now submit it by February 15. The report details findings and recommendations about these taxes and is sent to legislative leadership and finance committees. This is a procedural change affecting reporting timelines, not tax rates or policy.

Maddy summarySB 1695 exempts the retail sale of food and food ingredients from Tennessee's sales tax when sold between 12:01 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on the fifth day of every month. This applies to most grocery stores and food retailers but excludes sales from micro markets, vending machines, or devices. The exemption takes effect July 1, 2026, and directly affects businesses selling eligible food items on that specific day each month. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 67, Chapter 6, modifying tax collection rules for food retailers.

Maddy summarySB 1835 would reduce the Tennessee state sales tax rate on food and food ingredients from 4% to 2%. This change directly affects consumers purchasing eligible food items and businesses selling them, lowering the tax burden for both groups. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 67, Chapter 6, to implement the lower tax rate. The reduced rate would take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 587 requires Tennessee's Department of Health to create a pilot program placing free feminine hygiene product vending machines (dispensing tampons and sanitary napkins) in women's restrooms or locker rooms at eligible public schools. The program targets schools with Title I designation serving grades 5-12 that have high percentages of economically disadvantaged students, prioritizing two schools per grand division. Participating schools receive the machines and initial supplies at no cost, with the department sourcing products through partnerships and donations. The initiative applies starting the 2025-2026 school year and aims to provide accessible hygiene products to students without financial burden.