Maddy summarySB 698 prohibits Tennessee agricultural employers from retaliating against employees who assert protected rights (such as reporting unsafe conditions) or based on immigration status. It directly affects agricultural employers and their workers, including immigrant laborers in farming, ranching, and related industries. The bill creates a process for employees to file claims with the state Department of Labor or in court, with a 90-day window for investigations, and establishes a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if an adverse action occurs within 90 days of an employee asserting a right or due to immigration status. If violations are found, courts can order employers to stop retaliation, pay at least $10,000 in damages, or cover legal costs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySJR 144 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Andre Jones for receiving the 2024 Charter Champion Award for Advocate of the Year from the Tennessee Charter School Center. It recognizes his creation of a $6,000 "Financial Freedom" scholarship challenge to teach financial literacy to Crosstown High School students, which he partially funded personally and is expanding to fund perpetually. The resolution, signed by both legislative chambers and the governor, formally commends Jones for his community leadership and dedication to student financial security. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect and serves only to publicly acknowledge his contributions.
Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SJR 59), not a policy bill. It formally honors Adrian Maclin, a music educator at Cordova High School in Tennessee, for being named the 2025 Grammy Music Educator of the Year. The resolution recognizes his dedication to music education, noting he beat over 2,400 candidates for the award and will receive $10,000 for his school's program. It has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws or regulations. The resolution was passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on March 4, 2025.
Maddy summarySJR 137 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering (MASE) Phoenix football team for winning the 2024 TSSAA Class A state championship. It formally congratulates the players, coaches, staff, and supporters of the team, which achieved a 13-1 record with six shutouts during the season. The resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions - it is purely symbolic recognition of the team's athletic achievement and community spirit. This procedural resolution was signed by the Governor on March 4, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 571 increases the threshold for medical bills to be automatically accepted as valid proof in Tennessee civil court cases, raising the amount from $4,000 to $10,000. This directly affects medical providers (hospitals, doctors) and patients who submit bills as evidence in lawsuits about necessary care. The bill changes the law so that bills under $10,000 can be attached to court filings without further proof they were reasonable or necessary. It streamlines the evidence process for smaller medical expenses in civil claims. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 24-5-113(a)(3) and 16-5-113(a)(3).
Maddy summarySB 616 prohibits the sale or offering for sale of any food containing a live vaccine. This directly affects food producers, manufacturers, and retailers who might include such products in their supply chain. The bill defines "live vaccine" as a weakened virus or bacteria used to stimulate human immunity against disease. It amends Tennessee food safety codes (TCA Title 47, Chapter 18 and Title 53) to implement this new restriction, focusing on preventing intentional inclusion of medical vaccines in consumable products. The law would take effect upon becoming law.
Maddy summarySB 699, the "Student Comfort through Alternative Restorative Environments (CARE) Act," requires Tennessee public schools and charter schools to offer students the option to participate in remote learning or virtual education for at least 31 consecutive days following an act of mass violence (defined as causing serious injury or death to two or more people) at their school. This applies to students enrolled at the school during the incident, with participation being voluntary based on parent/guardian request or student consent (if 18+). The law ensures students taking remote learning cannot face academic penalties and remain eligible for counseling and mental health resources. It amends Tennessee education codes and takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.
Maddy summarySB 700, the "Healthy Soil Act," creates a state program administered by Tennessee's Department of Agriculture to support farmers and land managers in improving soil health. The program includes voluntary soil health assessments, educational workshops, and grants to promote practices like cover cropping, no-till farming, and compost application. It directly affects agricultural producers by providing technical assistance and prioritizing in-state resources for soil-building methods. The law aims to increase soil organic matter, water retention, and carbon content while supporting local food markets and economic growth.
Maddy summarySB 1107 removes legal immunity for Tennessee attorneys who commit serious misconduct during court proceedings, such as lying under oath, tampering with evidence, or coercing witnesses. It directly affects attorneys representing clients or prospective clients in court by making them subject to criminal prosecution for specific offenses defined in state law. The bill amends Tennessee Code to explicitly state that attorneys are not protected by the litigation privilege when engaging in acts like perjury, subornation of perjury, or falsifying evidence. This change aims to uphold court integrity by holding attorneys accountable for actions that undermine truth in legal cases.
Maddy summarySB 1157 changes how retirement benefit increases are calculated for Tennessee pension recipients. It replaces the current 3% annual cap with a cost-of-living adjustment tied directly to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase, but only if state tax revenue exceeds budgeted amounts (over-collection) and the CPI rise is at least 0.5%. If the CPI increase is between 0.5% and 1%, it rounds up to 1%. This applies to retirees receiving benefits before July 1, 2025, though it excludes certain public employees unless their employer passes a resolution accepting the cost. The adjustment takes effect starting July 1, 2025, with annual determinations of over-collection made by November 1 each year.