Sen. Raumesh Akbari

Maddy summarySB 1352 requires Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation to create a public website tool by January 2026 that shows facilities reporting toxic releases under federal law. The tool will let residents search by address to see nearby facilities within five miles and get alerts about new construction projects that may require reporting. It must update within 10 business days when new data arrives from the EPA's toxic release inventory. This helps Tennessee residents easily access location-specific information about industrial sites that report pollution data.

Maddy summarySB 1164 exempts the retail sale of fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables for human consumption from Tennessee's 4% sales tax on food. This change directly affects grocery shoppers purchasing produce and retailers selling these items. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 67-6-228 to remove the tax on these specific food items while maintaining the 4% tax on other food and food ingredients. The exemption will take effect July 1, 2025, if the bill is enacted.

Maddy summarySB 155, the "Menstrual Hygiene Products Accessibility Act," requires all Tennessee public high schools (including public charter schools) to provide free feminine hygiene products - such as tampons, pads, and menstrual cups - in all women's and girls' bathrooms, all locker rooms, and at school nurses' stations. These products must be available for student use only in eligible school buildings where instruction occurs, excluding staff-designated facilities. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and amends Tennessee Code sections related to education. It mandates this provision directly, rather than merely allowing it, and directs the state education department to provide compliance guidance.

Maddy summarySB 1172 creates the "African American Cultural and Historical Grant Fund" within Tennessee's state general fund to support capital projects at facilities highlighting African American contributions, culture, or history. Administered by the Tennessee Historical Commission, the fund provides grants for new facilities in culturally significant areas, renovations of existing facilities, or restoration of nationally registered historic sites. Grants prioritize projects that enhance facilities named for significant African Americans or improve the aesthetic value of cultural sites, with program expenses limited to 5% of annual funding. The Commission must submit annual reports to legislative finance committees starting in 2026, and unspent funds carry forward annually without reverting to the general fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors Dr. Stacey Floyd-Thomas for her service to the Tennessee Ethics Commission and her contributions to the state. It formally recognizes her distinguished career as an ethics professor at Vanderbilt University and her extensive scholarly work in Christian social ethics, race, and gender studies. The resolution expresses appreciation for her years of dedication to public service and academic excellence, with no changes to existing laws or policies. This is a commemorative measure that acknowledges her achievements rather than establishing new regulations or requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally recognizes and commends Donyell Hess for her outstanding work as a legislative intern for Senator Raumesh Akbari during the 2026 Tennessee legislative session. The resolution highlights Hess's contributions to the legislative process, her academic achievements in social work, and her community service through various organizations. It does not create new laws or change policy but serves as an official acknowledgment of her exemplary service and dedication. The bill requires both the Senate and House of Representatives to concur and authorizes the preparation of a copy of the resolution for presentation to Hess.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Jamarcus Olden, the 2025 Salutatorian of Fairley High School, for his academic achievements. The resolution recognizes his high grade point average, successful exam performance, and participation in extracurricular activities during his high school career. It formally commends his academic excellence and extends best wishes for his future success. This is a ceremonial resolution that does not create new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Kaden Lee Gritzmaker, the 2025 valedictorian of Fairley High School, for his academic excellence and community involvement. The measure formally recognizes his high grade point average and participation in extracurricular activities during his high school career. It directs the preparation of a copy of the resolution for presentation to the student, excluding the final commendatory clause. This type of resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves to publicly acknowledge individual achievement.

Maddy summarySB 2392, the "Anti-Retaliation for Reporting Unsafe Work Act," prohibits Tennessee employers from retaliating against employees who report unsafe working conditions, wage theft, or other labor violations. Specifically, it bans discharge, demotion, or threats to report immigration status primarily due to such reports. Employees who face retaliation can seek reinstatement, back pay, and punitive damages for willful violations. The law applies to all employers covered under Tennessee Code Title 50 and takes effect July 1, 2026, for claims arising after that date.

Maddy summarySB 1694 extends the timeframe insurers must respond to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance's requests for information related to complaints. It changes the requirement from 30 calendar days to 30 business days across multiple insurance-related sections of Tennessee law (Titles 33, 39, 52, 56, 58, 68, and 71). This change directly affects insurance companies that receive complaints filed against them, giving them more time to gather and submit required information. The bill modifies existing procedural deadlines without altering insurance regulations or consumer protections. It is a procedural adjustment to response timelines, not a substantive policy change.