Sen. Brent Taylor

Maddy summarySB 241 requires inpatient mental health facilities in Tennessee to notify the court that ordered a patient's involuntary commitment when the patient becomes eligible for discharge. The court can then hold a hearing within 21 days to decide whether to release the patient or return them to the hospital based on the facility's recommendation. This bill directly affects patients under involuntary commitment, mental health facilities, and the courts handling these cases. The law, set to take effect July 1, 2025, modifies existing procedures in Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33, and Title 52.

Maddy summarySB 220 creates a Commercial Development Board to facilitate "payments in lieu of ad valorem taxes" (PILOTs) for new commercial properties developed by private entities in Tennessee counties where property tax rates exceed $5.50 per $100 assessed value. Private developers leasing publicly owned commercial property under this bill would pay PILOTs equal to 10% of the property’s appraised value annually for up to 10 years, instead of regular property taxes. The Board collects these payments and distributes them to local taxing jurisdictions, while requiring annual reports on property values, PILOT amounts, and compliance. This bill directly affects private developers, local governments, and communities seeking economic development incentives in high-tax areas.

Maddy summarySB 219 would require Tennessee juvenile courts to order parents, legal custodians, or guardians to pay restitution for law enforcement costs when a child is found delinquent for a third or subsequent offense. The restitution would be $250 for misdemeanor-level acts (or $500 for felony-level acts), capped at $1,000, unless the parent is indigent and waives payment in favor of community service. This bill directly affects families with children repeatedly involved in juvenile justice proceedings. The proposal was introduced in January 2025 but failed in the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 17, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 859 amends Tennessee law to create a legal presumption that a homeowner acted in self-defense when using force likely to cause death or serious injury against an armed intruder who is unlawfully on their property but outside the enclosed structure of their home (e.g., porch or yard). This presumption applies specifically when the force is used from within the residence or dwelling. The bill directly affects homeowners defending their property against armed intruders in these defined scenarios. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 39-11-611(c) and (d) to establish this new standard.

Maddy summarySB 666 changes the annual reporting deadline for Tennessee's health facilities commission. It requires the commission's executive director to submit a report on nursing home inspections and enforcement activities to state officials by July 1 instead of February 1 each year. This procedural change affects the commission's reporting schedule but does not alter inspection standards or nursing home regulations. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee law to reflect this deadline adjustment.

Maddy summarySB 716 extends the annual deadline for Tennessee's commissioner of health to report to the General Assembly on health care access and safety net program data. The bill changes the submission date from January 15 to March 1 each year, giving the commissioner and collaborating state agencies additional time to compile the report. This affects the commissioner of health, the Department of Finance and Administration, and other agencies involved in administering the safety net program. The change only modifies the reporting timeline and does not alter the content or requirements of the annual report.

Maddy summarySB 854 amends Tennessee law to extend the deadline for district attorneys general to submit annual funding reports from 90 to 120 days after the fiscal year ends. This change directly affects all 32 Tennessee district attorneys general who must file these reports. The bill modifies specific sections of Tennessee Code (Titles 8, 10, and 17) to implement this extended timeline. The amendment takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 388 requires courts to mandate GPS tracking for defendants accused of specific offenses - such as firearm use, domestic assault, vehicle burglary, reckless driving, drag racing, or repeat crimes - during pretrial release, unless the court documents in writing that the defendant poses no threat to victims or public safety. It applies to defendants awaiting trial for these listed offenses, directly affecting their release conditions. Courts must report monthly data on GPS orders to the Administrative Office of the Courts, which will compile an annual report for legislative committees by July 1 each year. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, amending Tennessee Code sections related to criminal procedure and bail.

Maddy summarySB 667 increases the time Tennessee employees may take off work to vote from three hours to four hours. It directly affects workers in Tennessee who need to vote during their regular workday. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 2-1-106(a) to change the specified leave duration, requiring employers to provide this extended time. This policy change simplifies the process for voters by allowing more flexibility during election hours. The bill does not alter voter eligibility or other election procedures.

Maddy summarySB 387 allows Tennessee local governments to establish a formal process for voters to remove elected officials through recall elections. It requires petition signatures from at least 66% of voters who supported the official in the last election, with specific verification steps including a sworn affidavit. If approved, a recall election requires 66% "for recall" votes to remove the official, with no recall votes allowed within 90 days of regular elections. This applies to mayors, school board members, sheriffs, and other local officials, but only if the local legislative body adopts the process by a two-thirds vote. The bill does not automatically create recalls but provides the legal framework for communities to implement them.