Sen. Sara Kyle

Maddy summarySB 2494 prevents Tennessee's governor from deciding to leave or not join the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program - commonly known as SUN Bucks - without prior approval from the Tennessee General Assembly. The bill directly affects the governor’s authority, requiring a joint resolution from both legislative chambers to authorize any decision about the program’s enrollment. Key provisions mandate that the governor cannot act unilaterally on this program, which served over 700,000 children in 2024. The law amends Tennessee Code Title 71 to establish this requirement, ensuring legislative oversight for participation in the federal benefit program.

Maddy summarySB 2492 prohibits Tennessee governmental entities and prison contractors from blocking certain officials from entering correctional facilities housing non-U.S. citizens (referred to as "aliens" in the bill) to conduct oversight. It specifically prevents restrictions on U.S. Congress members, their staff, and Tennessee state legislators or their staff visiting these facilities. The law also bans altering facility conditions during such visits to ensure unobstructed oversight. Exceptions apply during emergencies like riots, disease outbreaks, or active threats. This bill directly affects oversight access at facilities detaining immigrant detainees.

Maddy summarySB 2682 requires Tennessee governors, state legislators, and U.S. congressional members (and their spouses) to divest or place specific investments in a blind trust by October 1, 2026 (or within 90 days of taking office for new officials). It defines "covered investments" as stocks, commodities, or certain funds but excludes diversified mutual funds, ETFs, treasury bonds, and retirement plans. Officials must submit compliance certificates to the commissioner and face daily civil penalties of up to $1,000 for non-compliance. The bill aims to reduce potential conflicts of interest by separating public officials' personal finances from investments that could influence their decisions.

Maddy summarySB 2038, the "No Corporate Land Giveaways Act," requires Tennessee state agencies to notify legislative leaders and local representatives 30 days before leasing or selling state-owned property to private companies for development. It mandates that such transfers cannot proceed without approval from the joint government operations committee within 30 days, or the deal is automatically denied. The bill directly affects state agencies like the commissioner of general services and the state capitol commission when handling land transactions with private entities. This procedural change aims to add legislative oversight to state land transfers, ensuring transparency before property is given to private developers.

Maddy summarySB 2012 requires Tennessee Senate and House speakers to establish equal numbers of legislative conferences or conference days for all members to receive expense and mileage allowances. It standardizes the count of approved conferences (defined as meetings related to state business, like workshops or symposiums) for both chambers. The bill ensures Senate and House members receive identical reimbursement opportunities for these events, without creating new benefits or altering substantive policies. This procedural change takes effect in 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2060 requires counties with populations under 800,000 and non-metropolitan municipalities to provide unpaid, job-protected leave for certain medical emergencies to eligible employees starting January 1, 2027. It applies to county and municipal workers who have completed 11 months/3 weeks of service, meet federal FMLA eligibility, and have no other available leave options for the emergency. The bill defines "qualifying medical emergencies" as birth, stillbirth, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, or the employee’s own serious health condition. It does not apply to counties over 800,000 population or those with metropolitan government structures. This policy change mandates local government employers to establish leave policies aligning with federal FMLA standards for covered employees.

Maddy summarySB 697 removes a restriction that previously prevented county officers from serving on industrial development corporation (IDC) boards. It directly adds the county assessor of property and county trustee as ex officio non-voting members of these boards. The bill requires these two county officials to serve on IDC boards while their terms align with their elected county offices. This change ensures county-level representation on IDC boards without granting them voting power, affecting all Tennessee counties with active IDCs.

Maddy summarySB 2497 prohibits U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from entering or conducting law enforcement activities in Tennessee healthcare facilities, physician offices, or shelters. It defines "healthcare facility" to include hospitals and mental health centers, "physician" as a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor, and "shelter" as facilities serving homeless individuals or domestic violence survivors. The bill amends multiple Tennessee code sections to enforce this restriction, applying to all such locations within the state. It takes effect immediately upon becoming law, creating a clear legal boundary for federal immigration enforcement in these settings.

Maddy summarySB 2628, the "Fair Background Check and Due Process Act," prevents background check companies from reporting unproven criminal charges (like pending cases, dismissals, or non-convictions) to employers, landlords, or licensing agencies, except for specific serious offenses like theft, fraud, or violent crimes. It directly affects job applicants, renters, and license seekers who have arrest records without convictions. The bill requires background checks to only include convictions or excluded offenses, while allowing employers to ask about job-related conduct and conduct required licensing checks. This changes how background checks are conducted for employment, housing, and licensing in Tennessee.

Maddy summarySB 2011, titled the "Stop American Gestapo Act (SAGA)," prohibits Tennessee law enforcement officers from wearing masks, face coverings, or personal disguises while interacting with the public during official duties. The bill directly affects all local, state, and federal law enforcement officers during public interactions, with exceptions for N95 masks during health emergencies, smoke protection during natural disasters, and SWAT team gear for physical safety. It also requires officers to visibly display their name or badge number on their uniform. Violations would be Class C misdemeanors, effective July 1, 2026.