Sen. Rusty Crowe

Maddy summarySB 2092 requires Tennessee's advisory commission (TACIR) to review how state and local agencies prepared for and responded to Hurricane Helene. It mandates that all relevant local and state officials provide data to TACIR for this evaluation. TACIR must submit a report by January 31, 2027, detailing findings, lessons learned, and recommendations for future disaster responses. The report will be shared with legislative committees overseeing local and state government operations. This bill directly affects state agencies, local governments, and emergency response departments involved in Hurricane Helene's aftermath.

Maddy summarySB 1778 exempts disaster grants administered by Tennessee's Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) from standard state procurement rules, allowing faster disbursement during emergencies. This applies to grants awarded directly by TEMA or passed to recipients (like local governments or nonprofits) for disaster response and recovery. However, TEMA must still follow specific financial oversight rules (Section 12-3-602) and establish procedures to monitor how recipients use the funds. The bill directly affects TEMA, local governments, and organizations receiving disaster aid, streamlining access to critical funds while maintaining compliance checks.

Maddy summarySJR 699 is a Senate Joint Resolution commemorating Tracy George Trott, a former Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel who served 40 years with the agency before retiring in 2018. The resolution honors his public service, leadership, and community involvement, including his work as a law enforcement consultant after retirement. It passed unanimously (94-0) in the Senate and was signed into effect by both legislative leaders in March 2026. As a memorial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies - it serves only to recognize Trott's legacy.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 1-7, 2026, as "Arts in Education Week" in Tennessee. It symbolically recognizes the importance of arts education (including music, visual arts, and theater) in schools, citing its role in developing students' critical thinking, creativity, and academic success. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but encourages communities to celebrate arts education's impact. It was passed unanimously by the Tennessee Senate and House and signed into effect.

Maddy summarySJR 844 is a symbolic resolution commemorating National Health Facility Surveyor Week (August 9-15, 2026), recognizing the work of health facility surveyors who ensure hospitals, clinics, and care facilities meet safety and quality standards. It directly honors surveyors whose role safeguards patient care and upholds healthcare regulations. The resolution has no binding effect but encourages public celebration of their contributions to healthcare safety. This is a procedural recognition, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 863), not a bill with policy changes. It formally honors Cooper Castle, a Washington County homeschool student and Marine Corps JROTC participant, for being elected governor of American Legion Tennessee Boys State and representing Tennessee at Boys Nation in Washington, D.C. The resolution recognizes his leadership, academic record, and civic engagement during these youth government programs. It has no legal effect or policy impact - it is solely a symbolic commendation.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 862 honors Gina Harjani, a Gatlinburg-Pittman High School valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA and winner of the American Legion's National Oratorical Contest, for her academic excellence and civic leadership. The resolution recognizes her achievements, including her A.C.C.E.P.T. initiative promoting constitutional education and her role in advocating for youth programs like Girls State. Passed unanimously by the Tennessee General Assembly on March 5, 2026, it serves as a formal commendation with no policy or financial impact.

Maddy summarySB 2090 requires private schools participating in Tennessee's Individualized Education Act (IEA) or Education Savings Account (ESA) programs to meet specific civic education standards to receive public funds. It mandates daily Pledge of Allegiance recitation (with constitutional compliance), age-appropriate civics/American history instruction, prohibition of certain instructional materials (referencing §49-6-1019(a)), and bans promoting foreign legal systems conflicting with U.S. or Tennessee constitutions. Schools failing these requirements cannot receive public funds through these programs, and students enrolled in non-compliant schools cannot receive education freedom scholarships. The bill directly affects participating private schools and their students receiving state-funded scholarships.

Maddy summarySJR 860 is a Tennessee Senate resolution urging U.S. Congress to rename Dogwood Lane at the Mountain Home VA medical center to "Congressman Phil Roe Boulevard." It honors former Tennessee Congressman Phil Roe, who chaired the House Committee on Veteran Affairs and championed key veterans' legislation like the Forever GI Bill and the VA Accountability Act. The resolution does not rename the road itself but formally requests Tennessee's congressional delegation to introduce federal legislation for the change, as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs requires congressional authorization for such designations. The Tennessee General Assembly passed this resolution unanimously (31-0) to recognize Roe's service to veterans.

Maddy summarySJR 690 is a ceremonial joint resolution honoring Dr. Randy Wykoff, the retiring founding dean of East Tennessee State University's College of Public Health, upon his retirement in May 2026. The resolution commends his career achievements, including his roles as a physician, public health leader, federal health official, and author, without creating any legal obligations or policy changes. It serves solely as a formal expression of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly and has no effect on laws or constituents.