Sen. Sara Kyle

Maddy summarySJR 418 is a ceremonial resolution commending Joshua Blackwell for his service as a legislative intern during the 2025 Tennessee General Assembly session. It specifically recognizes his work supporting Senator Sara Kyle and highlights his academic background (University of Memphis political science/economics major), community involvement, and extracurricular leadership. The resolution formally expresses the legislature's appreciation for his contributions to the legislative process. As a non-binding commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summarySB 1417 requires most school support organizations (like fundraising groups) in Tennessee to submit detailed annual financial reports to the state education department by July 1 each year. Exempt groups include parent-teacher associations (PTAs), booster clubs, and similar organizations. The department must publish these reports online for at least three years. This law applies directly to organizations collecting funds while representing themselves as school support groups, aiming to increase transparency in how education-related funds are spent. The bill became effective April 24, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1106 clarifies that life insurance and annuity proceeds designated for a policyholder's spouse, children, or dependent relatives are protected from creditors' claims - including execution, attachment, seizure, and garnishment - under Tennessee law. It directly affects Tennessee residents who name family members as beneficiaries on these policies, ensuring funds remain exempt even if used for personal expenses. The bill explicitly revises Tennessee Code § 56-7-203 to include "for the benefit of" and "all" in the exemption language, resolving ambiguity about whether these funds could be claimed by creditors. This change aims to provide clear legal certainty for retirement planning without creating new exemptions. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 498 removes a 10-day deadline for submitting certified court orders that withdraw driving privilege denials for juvenile offenders to the Tennessee Department of Safety. This change directly affects juvenile offenders whose driving privileges were previously denied but now have that denial withdrawn by a court. The bill amends Tennessee Code § 55-10-703 by deleting the requirement to submit the court order copy "within ten (10) days after it is issued," simplifying the administrative process for reinstating licenses. The bill became law as Public Chapter 142 on April 4, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 141 creates a state grant program to fund sidewalk improvements around public schools. The Tennessee Department of Transportation will administer the program, providing competitive grants to local governments for designing, constructing, or repairing sidewalk infrastructure near schools. Local governments must match grant funds (either in cash or approved non-cash contributions), and the program is funded through state appropriations and donations. This directly affects school districts and local municipalities seeking to improve pedestrian safety for students.

Maddy summarySB 1325 sets minimum space requirements for breeding pigs and veal calves on farms in Tennessee, effective July 1, 2030. It prohibits confining breeding pigs in enclosures with less than 24 sq. ft. of usable floor space per pig or veal calves in enclosures with less than 43 sq. ft. per calf, except during medical care, exhibitions, short-term handling, or slaughter. Farm owners/operators who violate these rules face fines of $250-$1,000 per animal per violation. The bill amends Tennessee’s animal welfare laws but allows stricter local ordinances and does not override existing federal or state animal protection standards.

Maddy summarySB 572 increases the maximum monetary amount for civil cases heard in Tennessee's general sessions courts from $25,000 to $50,000. This change means individuals and small businesses filing civil claims under $50,000 will have their cases handled in these lower-level courts instead of being automatically moved to circuit court. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 16-15-501(d)(1) and related provisions in Titles 13, 16, and 29. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and directly affects plaintiffs and defendants in civil disputes within this new monetary range.

Maddy summaryTennessee Senate Joint Resolution 16 (SJR 16) is a non-binding resolution urging Tennesseans to voluntarily donate feminine hygiene products to local schools. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but highlights that lack of access to these products contributes to student absenteeism, particularly affecting lower-income students and students of color. The resolution specifically encourages citizens to support schools by donating these essential items, with no requirement or mechanism for enforcement. This is a symbolic call to action, not a policy change.

Maddy summarySB 500, the "Protect Kids Not Guns Act," requires all firearms in Tennessee to be stored locked or secured with a safety device, making failure to do so a Class A misdemeanor. It bans possession of large-capacity magazines (holding more than 10 rounds) for most residents, with exceptions for law enforcement, and prohibits selling or transferring such magazines except to agencies. The bill also mandates that most firearm sales or transfers occur through licensed dealers or family gifts with specific safeguards, imposing fines up to $10,000 for violations. Additionally, it establishes a process for courts to issue extreme risk protection orders to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a threat. These provisions directly affect all Tennessee firearm owners and sellers.

Maddy summarySB 701, known as the "Freedom to Read Act," prohibits public libraries in Tennessee from removing or restricting access to books or materials based solely on the viewpoint, ideas, or opinions they express. It directly affects public libraries (including school and university libraries) by requiring them to maintain access to all materials unless removal is justified for practical reasons (like damage or space), pedagogical concerns (age-appropriateness), or legal compliance. The bill mandates libraries to adopt formal policies for handling material challenges, administered by qualified staff, and requires reporting challenges to the state library coordinator. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not apply to specialized libraries (e.g., law or medical libraries).