Sen. Raumesh Akbari

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 285) confirms Dwayne Thompson's appointment to the Tennessee Ethics Commission for a four-year term ending January 1, 2030. It formally approves the Senate's required two-thirds vote to confirm Thompson, as selected by the Senate Speaker from the Democratic Caucus's candidate list, per Tennessee law. The resolution does not create new policy but completes a routine procedural step for the appointment.

Maddy summarySB 2097 requires Tennessee's secretary of state to place a specific ballot question on the November 2026 general election ballot asking voters whether the state should legalize medical cannabis sales, possession, and use. This directly affects all Tennessee voters who will cast a yes/no vote on the issue. The bill mandates that county election commissions include the question in the standard ballot format with clear "YES" or "NO" options. Results of this non-binding vote will be reported to the state legislature but will not automatically change state law.

Maddy summarySB 2381 extends the deadline for Tennessee courts to notify the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) after ordering the expunction (sealing) of a criminal record, increasing the timeframe from 30 to 45 days. This change directly affects courts issuing expunction orders and the TBI, which must receive the notification within the new 45-day window. The bill amends specific provisions of Tennessee law (TCA Section 40-32-102(d)) to adjust this administrative process without altering eligibility for expunction. It focuses solely on streamlining the notification procedure for criminal record expungement.

Maddy summarySB 2099 establishes Tennessee's statewide "Court Appearance Reminder Program" to reduce missed court appearances. It requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to automatically send free text, email, or mail reminders (at least three total, including one the day before) to defendants with upcoming out-of-custody criminal or traffic court dates. The program must use plain language, include court details and consequences of missing, allow opt-out, and provide post-missed-appearance guidance. It includes strict privacy protections (contact info cannot be used for investigations or bail decisions) and mandates data collection to evaluate effectiveness.

Maddy summarySB 1971 requires federal immigration officers to obtain a judicial warrant before entering private business locations in Tennessee, such as offices or factories not open to the public. It prohibits state and local agencies from assisting with immigration enforcement without a warrant, including sharing employee records or allowing access to non-public areas. Business owners and employees cannot be penalized for refusing entry without a warrant, and evidence gathered unlawfully is inadmissible in state courts. The law specifically applies to private workplace areas, leaving federal enforcement with valid warrants unaffected.

Maddy summarySB 1636 requires guardians and conservators (fiduciaries) in Tennessee to include the date of their last contact with the person they are caring for in annual court filings. The bill mandates that these filings also state the person's current physical or mental condition and whether ongoing fiduciary services are still needed, while avoiding disclosure of confidential medical information. This change directly affects fiduciaries managing guardianships or conservatorships across Tennessee. The requirement applies to all annual accounting reports submitted to the court overseeing these cases, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 589 requires health insurance plans in Tennessee that cover prescription contraceptives to provide a 12-month refill option at one time, instead of shorter-term refills. This applies to all health benefit plans (including Medicaid/TennCare and CoverKids programs) that renew, amend, or issue coverage on or after January 1, 2026. The bill directly affects insured individuals who use prescription contraceptives by simplifying access to longer-term supply. It amends Tennessee law to expand the definition of "health benefit plan" and updates the effective date for this requirement. The policy change focuses on coverage mechanics, not outcomes or advocacy.

Maddy summarySB 1353 restores voting rights for Tennessee residents convicted of "infamous crimes" after completing their sentence, removing previous barriers like unpaid restitution, court costs, or current child support obligations. It amends voting eligibility laws to allow this right to be restored without requiring full citizenship rights restoration. The bill updates voter registration forms to accept proof of sentence completion (via court documents or a voting rights certificate) instead of requiring pardons or full citizenship restoration. This directly affects individuals with past convictions who have finished their sentences but were previously barred from voting due to financial or support requirements. The changes apply to both state and federal convictions that qualify as infamous crimes under Tennessee law.

Maddy summarySB 581 requires Tennessee law enforcement officers to inform individuals they stop (for traffic or pedestrian reasons) of the specific reason for the stop before questioning them about possible crimes or violations. This rule takes effect January 1, 2026, and applies to all officers making such stops. Officers may withhold the reason only if they believe it is necessary to protect life or property from an immediate threat. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections related to law enforcement procedures (Titles 38, 39, and 40).

Maddy summarySB 1350 proposes a new "extreme risk protection order" (ERPO) process in Tennessee, allowing courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a significant danger to themselves or others. Law enforcement officers or close relatives can file petitions with clear evidence of risk, leading to a court hearing within 14 days and potential 12-month orders. The bill also requires firearms to be stored unloaded and locked away from ammunition (except during lawful use) and adds a 15-business-day waiting period for gun purchases after background checks. These changes would directly affect firearm owners facing ERPO petitions or subject to storage rules. The bill is currently pending review by the Senate Judiciary Committee.