Sen. Rusty Crowe

Maddy summarySB 334, the "Tennessee Medicaid Modernization and Access Act of 2025," requires TennCare to update reimbursement rates for key healthcare services - including obstetrics/gynecology, primary care, outpatient mental health, and substance use disorder treatment - to match either the Medicare fee schedule or average commercial rates (whichever is higher) starting in 2025. This directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries (by improving access to these services) and healthcare providers (by ensuring fairer payments). The bill mandates annual rate reviews to maintain alignment with federal guidelines and allows providers to request administrative hearings for payment disputes. It also includes provisions for quality-based incentive payments in underserved areas and requires annual reports on fiscal impacts and service access improvements.

Maddy summarySB 647 creates a $250 million medical expense relief fund to help the next of kin or estate of a person who died while enrolled in TennCare pay outstanding medical bills and related costs, including unpaid premiums and benefits. The Tennessee Department of Human Services will administer the fund, requiring applicants to submit documentation of the deceased person's medical debt and financial need. Grants may be awarded directly to families, estates, or medical providers, but must be used exclusively for the deceased's medical expenses. The fund, initially funded by a state appropriation, will carry forward any unspent balance to the next fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally honors David Frizzell, a certified public accountant from Johnson City, Tennessee, for receiving the National Federation of Independent Business's 2025 Small Business Champion Award. The resolution recognizes Frizzell's work as an advocate for small business owners, his involvement with professional accounting organizations, and his contributions to local economic growth through his accounting firm. The bill does not create new laws or change existing policies; it serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of Frizzell's achievements and his role in supporting small business interests in the community.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 275) urges Congress to rename Dogwood Lane at the Mountain Home VA medical facility to "Congressman Phil Roe Boulevard." It honors Rep. Phil Roe (Tennessee's 1st District, 2009-2021) for his service as Chair and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veteran Affairs and his legislative work on key veteran benefits laws like the Mission Act and Forever GI Bill. The resolution requests Tennessee's congressional delegation to introduce federal legislation for the renaming, as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs requires congressional approval to name roads on federal property. This is a commemorative resolution, not a law that changes policy.

Maddy summarySB 2610 allows qualifying Tennessee municipalities (incorporated cities or towns without school systems) to impose a tax on development activity within their boundaries. The tax must follow the same rates and rules currently applied to counties for development privilege taxes. Proceeds from this tax must be used exclusively for transportation infrastructure projects like roads, streets, sidewalks, and trails within the municipality. Municipalities would need to adopt a local ordinance to implement the tax, and funds would be managed through designated municipal funds.

Maddy summarySB 2423 amends Tennessee law to prohibit all artificial food dyes in school food and beverages, expanding from the current restriction on only Red 40 (Allura Red AC). It requires local education agencies and public charter schools to stop selling, offering for sale, or providing to students any food or beverage containing artificial dyes on school property through school nutrition programs or authorized third parties. This change affects all public schools in Tennessee that sell or distribute food on campus. The bill takes effect upon becoming law.

Maddy summarySB 1145 requires funeral homes or government agencies handling bodies for burial to bury the body within 48 hours if they do not request an autopsy or embalming. This applies when the agency waives its right to request either procedure. The rule does not apply if an autopsy is legally required under existing laws (such as Tennessee’s Post-Mortem Examination Act in Title 38). The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and amends multiple Tennessee code sections governing burial procedures.

Maddy summarySB 2428 requires Tennessee local governments (like cities, counties, and departments) to invite honorably discharged veterans to job interviews and give them hiring preference if their qualifications match another candidate's. It also extends interview opportunities to spouses of veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability or died in military service. The bill mandates that all local government job applications include an option for applicants to declare veteran status. These provisions apply to all hiring for appointments or promotions within local government entities.

Maddy summarySJR 565 is a resolution designating March 2026 as "Endometriosis Awareness Month" in Tennessee. It does not create new laws or policies but aims to promote public and healthcare education about endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting approximately 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. The resolution highlights key issues like delayed diagnosis (averaging 10 years), symptoms including pelvic pain and infertility, and the need for greater awareness to improve early detection. This symbolic measure directly affects Tennessee residents by encouraging community engagement and education efforts during March 2026.

Maddy summaryThis resolution confirms Steven Emil Johnson's appointment to the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission, as required by state law. It does not create new policy but completes the formal confirmation process for his term, which expires February 28, 2029. The bill directly affects Johnson (confirming his position) and the commission (adding a member with conservation experience). The resolution follows standard procedure for Speaker-appointed commission members, requiring General Assembly confirmation.