Sen. Rusty Crowe

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Tennessee state laws to require that public nursing programs provide a minimum of 1,296 clock hours or equivalent credit hours for practical nursing training. It also updates reporting requirements so that an annual report on these programs must be sent to the governor, the legislative librarian, and other designated officials. The changes apply specifically to practical nursing programs offered by public institutions of higher education within the state.

Maddy summaryThis law requires the Tennessee Department of Human Services to include specific details about how it uses federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) money in its annual report. The report must break down spending by the four official purposes of the TANF program and list the number of contracts used for services in each area. It also mandates that the department provide examples of how funds were spent on two-parent family formation, parenting education, and marriage counseling. Additionally, the state must review all program expenditures to ensure they include both parents. These changes affect the department's reporting requirements and aim to increase transparency regarding how federal aid is utilized.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Tennessee Department of Health to hire a specific type of nonprofit organization to manage its family medicine student loan repayment program. The eligible nonprofit must be a tax-exempt group based in Tennessee that is connected to an organization of local family doctors, residents, and medical students. By authorizing this contract, the state aims to streamline how it administers financial incentives designed to encourage physicians to work in underserved areas. The legislation also gives the department power to create rules for managing the program in cooperation with other state health and education boards.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates how the Tennessee Higher Education Commission collects fees from institutions participating in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). It allows the commission to set annual fees based on student enrollment, either by following national standards or through its own rules, and requires these fees to be deposited into a dedicated state account. The law also mandates that annual renewal fees be paid by December 1 starting in 2025 and ensures that reports generated for the national program are shared with Tennessee institutions for their information.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution honors the memory of Jewel White, a public servant and educator from Jonesborough who passed away. The bill formally acknowledges her contributions to education and community service while expressing sympathy to her family. It directs the state to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to the White family, omitting certain procedural language. Once signed by the Governor, the measure serves as an official state tribute rather than changing laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis law expands financial protection for school staff in Tennessee by allowing all employees, not just teachers, to receive full pay and benefits if they are injured due to a violent crime while working. It applies to both salaried and hourly workers at local school districts and public charter schools, ensuring they continue to get their regular income and health coverage until a doctor says they can return or are permanently disabled. The policy requires schools to cover any gap between the employee's full salary and any workers' compensation benefits they receive, and it prevents such leave from counting against the employee's accumulated sick or personal time. Additionally, the law limits this financial support to a maximum of one year and does not override any existing contracts that offer even better benefits.