Sen. Raumesh Akbari

Maddy summarySB 1185, the "Small Business Growth and Empowerment Act," creates a state fund to provide grants for minority-owned and women-owned businesses in underserved areas. The bill authorizes grants for specific economic development activities like site development, training, and infrastructure, and establishes a 50% tax credit for qualifying small businesses that hire locally or provide workforce training. It directly affects minority- and women-owned businesses in communities with limited access to capital, defining "underserved areas" as rural, inner-city, or historically disadvantaged regions. The fund must be managed to ensure spending aligns with program goals, with quarterly public reporting on grant recipients and amounts. The bill amends Tennessee Code to establish this fund and the tax credit mechanism.

Maddy summarySB 1635 expands the definition of "medical condition" under Tennessee's 2021 Precious Cargo Act to include communication disorders like stuttering, speech issues, and language disorders. This change allows drivers with these conditions to qualify for a special designation in the state's Vehicle Title and Registration System (VTRS), alerting first responders during traffic stops that the driver may need communication assistance. The bill amends Tennessee Code §55-21-303(a)(2) to explicitly list these disorders as qualifying medical conditions. The provision will take effect on July 1, 2026, directly benefiting eligible drivers in traffic interactions with law enforcement.

Maddy summarySB 336 changes Tennessee's voting rights laws by removing permanent voting bans for people convicted of first-degree murder, aggravated rape, treason, or voter fraud. It updates the child support requirement from "being current in all obligations" to "compliant with all current child support orders" (allowing those with past arrears to regain voting rights). The bill also adds a 3-year waiting period after sentence completion for those convicted of the specified crimes before they can petition to restore voting rights. This directly affects individuals with these specific convictions who were previously barred from voting indefinitely.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution honors Malcolm Louis Wallace on the occasion of his 79th birthday by formally recognizing his contributions to his community and country. The bill directly affects Wallace, a Memphis resident who has served as a veteran, business leader, and community development professional for over 50 years. It does not create new laws or policies but instead serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of his career achievements and personal milestones. The resolution was adopted by the Tennessee Senate with unanimous support to present a copy to Wallace as a tribute to his service and dedication.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the Vintage901 Wine, Food and Music Festival on its tenth anniversary by formally recognizing the event and its organizers. The resolution acknowledges the festival's role as a community pillar that has grown since 2016 to support local culture, education, and philanthropy. It highlights the organization's scholarship programs for culinary and wine industry students and its financial contributions to various Memphis nonprofits. The measure serves as a commemorative gesture with no binding policy changes or budgetary impact.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Impact Baptist Church and Ministries in Memphis on the occasion of its twentieth anniversary. It formally recognizes the church and its pastor, Dr. Michael C. Ellis, Sr., for their service to the community and the state of Tennessee. The resolution expresses congratulations and wishes the congregation continued success, but does not create any new laws or funding. It is a ceremonial document intended to acknowledge the church's history and contributions rather than to change policy.

Maddy summarySB 2676 increases the annual limit for unlicensed child care programs from 14 to 21 days per year. It specifically affects community organizations (like churches or schools) hosting occasional "Parents' Night Out" or similar special events without needing a state license. The bill amends Tennessee law to allow these programs to operate for up to 21 days annually under existing exemptions, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution 926 formally recognizes and honors The Brown Four, a singing group from Memphis consisting of four siblings aged ten to fourteen. The bill acknowledges their musical journey, which began in 2019 and gained national attention through a viral video in 2021, leading to performances on television shows in 2025. The resolution serves as a ceremonial gesture to celebrate their talent and achievements without creating any new laws or changing government policies. It is a commemorative measure that expresses appreciation for the group's contributions to music and their future potential.

Maddy summarySB 1698 increases the penalty for impersonating a law enforcement officer from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony when the impersonation occurs during the commission or attempt of a crime of violence. This change directly affects individuals who falsely pose as police officers while committing or attempting violent crimes. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-16-301, to establish this higher penalty level. The law will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2380 allows individuals convicted of most misdemeanor offenses in Tennessee to petition a court to seal their criminal history records after completing all sentencing requirements (like paying fines or finishing probation) and going five years without a new conviction. This applies to offenses like theft or disorderly conduct but excludes domestic assault and driving under the influence (DUI). To seal records, petitioners must pay a $500 fee, and sealed records remain accessible for firearm background checks, health department registries for vulnerable adult abuse, and law enforcement officer qualifications. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and if a person with sealed records is convicted of a new offense (other than minor traffic), the seal is lifted.