Sen. Rusty Crowe

Maddy summaryThis bill would require Tennessee public water systems to test fluoride levels monthly if they exceed 0.4 milligrams per liter (down from 1.5 mg/L), instead of quarterly. It mandates that all systems stop adding fluoride to drinking water by May 1, 2025, and provide customers with 30 days' written notice before discontinuing fluoridation. Systems must resume quarterly testing once three consecutive monthly results fall below 0.4 mg/L. The bill exempts naturally occurring fluoride that doesn't exceed federal limits.

Maddy summarySJR 167 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Jeff Kelly, the retiring Public Defender for Tennessee's First Judicial District, on the conclusion of his 35-year career. It recognizes his service representing indigent clients in Carter, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties, including 20 years as Assistant Public Defender and 15 years as Public Defender since 2009. The resolution has no policy provisions - it solely expresses legislative commendation for his professional service and retirement.

Maddy summarySJR 152 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Albert Lee Fatherree II, a Johnson City resident and public servant known for his 43-year career at Sears (including growing Sears Payment Systems from 150 to 2,500 employees), military service in the U.S. Air Force during the 1962 Cuban Crisis, and leadership in community organizations like the Chamber of Commerce. The resolution expresses condolences to his family and commemorates his life, legacy of integrity, and contributions to Johnson City. As a symbolic memorial, it does not create new laws or affect policy.

Maddy summarySJR 153 is a symbolic resolution congratulating Chief Meteorologist Mark Reynolds on his 40th anniversary with News Channel 11 in Johnson City, Tennessee. It formally recognizes his decades of weather reporting, hosting an animal adoption program ("Tails and Paws"), and community involvement with local animal shelters. The resolution, passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor, expresses the Tennessee General Assembly’s appreciation for his professional service and community contributions. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding legal effect and does not create new policy or affect any specific group.

Maddy summarySJR 151 is a commemorative resolution honoring Felix Guignard, a Johnson City resident and musician known for his decades-long career as a pianist, composer, and community contributor. The resolution, passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor in March 2025, expresses condolences to his family and recognizes his life achievements - including his work in Haiti, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Atlanta, and Johnson City - without creating any new laws or policy changes. It serves as a formal tribute to his legacy as a musician, linguist, and devoted family member, with no direct impact on legislation or affected groups.

Maddy summarySB 6007 provides property tax relief to owners of real or personal property damaged or destroyed by a FEMA-certified disaster occurring between September 26 and September 30, 2024. The state treasurer must disburse payments equal to 130% of the 2024 property tax bill to qualifying owners who owned the property during the disaster and reside in a county covered by the FEMA declaration. Owners must submit required documentation by June 30, 2025, to receive payments, and the program expires December 31, 2025. The bill also updates emergency response rules to allow government entities to deploy personnel and equipment across jurisdictional lines during emergencies with approval from their chief executive.

Maddy summarySB 516 requires the Tennessee Department of Human Services to annually report on the effectiveness of drug testing for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) applicants. The department must submit this report by December 1 each year to legislative committees overseeing health and welfare. This bill amends Tennessee law to add this mandatory reporting requirement to the TANF program. The change does not alter the drug testing policy itself but mandates an annual review of its effectiveness for transparency.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 648 prohibits state or local governments from using expedited eminent domain (government taking private property) for real property during declared emergencies in Tennessee. It directly affects property owners who might otherwise face rapid government seizure of their land during crises like natural disasters. The bill amends emergency management codes to require standard eminent domain procedures, including full compensation, even when the governor declares an emergency. It specifically excludes firearms, ammunition, and related components from being subject to this restriction.

Maddy summarySB 649 would authorize recall elections for members of local school boards in every Tennessee county. The bill removes a specific provision (subsection (e)) from existing law that previously restricted such recalls, enabling voters to initiate removals of school board members before their term ends. If enacted, this change would directly affect all 95 county school boards and the process for holding recalls statewide. The bill focuses on modifying election procedures without altering school board duties or funding.

Maddy summaryThis law requires the state comptroller to check if public universities in Tennessee are following equal protection rules when admitting students. Specifically, the comptroller must review admission programs at the University of Tennessee system, the state university and community college system, and other state universities to ensure they comply with federal and state constitutional standards. This audit requirement is designed to address legal principles established by a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding university admissions. The changes became effective on July 1, 2024, and apply to all institutions governed by the state's higher education boards.