Sen. Brent Taylor

Maddy summarySB 228, the "LESTER Act," requires Tennessee law enforcement to accept digital copies of vehicle registration as valid proof of registration, directly affecting drivers who use digital registration and police officers during traffic stops. It amends Tennessee law to clarify that displaying a digital registration does not grant officers permission to access other contents of a driver's electronic device. The bill also updates terminology from "motor-propelled vehicle" to "motor vehicle" in relevant sections. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 191 expands the definition of "local government" to include water, wastewater, and energy authorities for bond and note issuance purposes. It requires these entities to obtain state comptroller approval before issuing debt with "heightened risk" features like variable interest rates, interest rate resets, or early repayment options. The bill mandates the comptroller evaluate such requests to ensure debt terms serve the public interest, with a 15-day review timeline. This directly affects cities, counties, and utility authorities when they issue certain types of debt, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 274 defines five county offices - sheriff, register, county clerk, assessor of property, and trustee - as constitutional officers in Tennessee counties that have adopted a charter form of government. It specifies each officer's core duties: the sheriff handles law enforcement and courthouse security, the register records property documents, the county clerk collects taxes and issues licenses, the trustee manages tax collections and county funds, and the assessor determines property values. The bill clarifies these roles by codifying their responsibilities in state law, replacing previous ambiguous language. This directly affects county officials and residents in charter counties by standardizing how these critical local government roles operate.

Maddy summarySB 856 (now effective as of April 24, 2025) modifies Tennessee's bail procedures by allowing magistrates to consider reliable hearsay evidence, such as computer printouts of state/federal criminal records from the TBI or FBI, when deciding whether to release a defendant on bail and setting the bail amount. The bill requires that defendants be given a fair opportunity to challenge any hearsay evidence presented. This change directly affects individuals in criminal cases where bail is being determined and magistrates making those decisions. The law aims to balance ensuring court appearances with public safety by expanding the types of evidence magistrates may use during bail hearings.

Maddy summarySB 718 requires Tennessee juvenile courts to hold child custody, detention, or legal hearings in a dedicated courtroom located as close as possible to the county's approved juvenile detention facility. This applies to courts that use a detention center approved by the Department of Children's Services for housing detained youth. The law aims to reduce the humiliation and unnecessary transportation of detained children by minimizing public exposure and restraints during court appearances. It does not change detention standards or confidentiality rules but mandates specific courtroom location practices for these proceedings. The bill became effective October 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 238 clarifies where criminal cases for violating release conditions (like bail terms) can be tried in Tennessee. It states that prosecution must generally occur in the county where the violation happened, such as missing a court date in Nashville. If parts of the violation occurred in multiple counties, prosecutors can choose to file the case in either county. This change directly affects prosecutors, defendants, and courts by standardizing jurisdiction for these offenses under Tennessee law. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 39 and 40 to make this rule clear.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 120 is a non-binding resolution urging the Tennessee Supreme Court to take two specific actions. It requests the court draft and adopt formal codes of conduct for district attorneys general, district public defenders, and court clerks - officials currently lacking such rules. Additionally, it asks the court to form a panel to investigate recent misconduct complaints against three elected district attorneys general. The resolution does not create new laws but seeks to establish accountability mechanisms for these justice system roles.

Maddy summarySB 351 requires county and city attorneys in Tennessee to proactively consult with and advise elected officials, their deputies, and staff on the proper application and enforcement of federal and state laws relevant to their official duties. This applies specifically to county attorneys (under Title 5) and city attorneys (under Title 6), adding this consultation duty to their existing responsibilities. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code titles to implement this change, focusing on clarifying legal guidance for local government operations. It does not create new laws or policies but formalizes an existing advisory role for attorneys within local government structures.

Maddy summarySB 715 modifies Tennessee cemetery regulations to increase fee transparency and prevent double-charging. It requires cemetery companies to charge uniform fees for installing memorials regardless of where the memorial is purchased, prohibits extra improvement care deposits for the same cemetery space after an initial payment, and clarifies how trust fund values are calculated (averaging over multiple years). The bill also establishes clear rules for reclaiming abandoned interment rights, requiring cemeteries to search for owners and provide proof of ownership within one year before reusing plots. These changes directly affect cemetery companies and individuals purchasing burial plots or memorial services in Tennessee.

Maddy summarySB 224 allows licensed athletic trainers in Tennessee to use dry needling as part of their care for athletic injuries, including prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. The bill requires the Board of Athletic Trainers to establish minimum competency standards that practitioners must meet to perform dry needling. This change directly affects athletic trainers who currently cannot use dry needling without physician supervision under existing rules. The law amends Tennessee Code Sections 63-24-101 and 63-24-109 to formalize these provisions, effective July 1, 2025.