Sen. Brent Taylor

Maddy summarySB 222 changes Tennessee law to extend the deadline for sheriffs to share information about handgun permit applicants' truthfulness from 30 to 45 days. This applies specifically to sheriffs providing details to the Department of Safety regarding applications for enhanced handgun carry permits. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-17-1351, updating the timeframe for this information exchange. It directly affects sheriffs and the Department of Safety in their processing of handgun permit applications. The change aims to provide more time for sheriffs to verify applicant information before permits are issued.

Maddy summarySB 1474 redefines "drag racing" as "street drag racing" throughout Tennessee law and expands the offense to include reckless driving or drifting stunts on commercial properties (like shopping centers), not just public roads. It defines "drifting" as steering to lose traction for skidding, allows police to impound vehicles used in the offense or to flee, and makes reckless endangerment from street drag racing a Class E felony. The bill directly affects drivers engaging in street racing or drifting, property owners on commercial sites where such activities occur, and law enforcement handling related arrests. Key changes include requiring arrests to be taken before a magistrate (not issued a citation) and mandating vehicle impoundment for evidence collection.

Maddy summarySB 1475 increases penalties for aggravated cruelty to animals in Tennessee from a Class E felony to a Class D felony under Title 39, Section 39-14-212. It also adds this offense to the list of crimes that can lead to a juvenile being classified as a serious youthful offender under Title 37, Section 37-1-131. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of severe animal cruelty and juvenile offenders charged with this specific offense. Key changes include updating felony classifications in both criminal and juvenile justice codes, with the law taking effect July 1, 2026. The bill does not alter existing penalties for other animal cruelty offenses.

Maddy summarySB 1984 requires Tennessee's advisory commission (TACIR) to study whether assistant district attorneys general (ADAs) are paid fairly compared to similar state positions and submit a report by January 31, 2027. The study will assess pay equity across roles, with state agencies assisting TACIR using existing resources. TACIR must include recommendations for potential legislative changes in its report. The findings will be delivered to the chairs of the House and Senate judiciary committees and the legislative librarian.

Maddy summarySB 1707 requires that deeds transferring real property in Tennessee be prepared only by licensed attorneys, title insurance agents, the property owner, or someone legally authorized to act for the owner. It mandates that these documents include a sworn declaration under penalty of perjury (if prepared by a professional) or a notarized affidavit stating the preparer's qualifications. The bill affects anyone transferring property, with exemptions for government entities and deeds prepared by banks/credit unions for their own property interests. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and requires county registers to reject non-compliant deeds.

Maddy summarySB 2653, the "Tennessee Data Center Impact Review Act," requires data centers in Tennessee with a power capacity exceeding 20 megawatts to obtain a permit before operation starting January 1, 2027. Operators must submit detailed information on water usage, sources, and impacts on residential, agricultural, and public water supplies, along with conservation plans. The review process prioritizes residential water access over industrial use and mandates public hearings, with the board evaluating wastewater discharge and coordination with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). This act directly affects large data center developers and operators seeking to build or expand facilities in Tennessee.

Maddy summarySB 2209 would create a Tennessee "Do Not Call" registry, allowing residents to register their phone numbers to stop unsolicited telemarketing calls. It requires businesses to obtain written consent from consumers before making certain sales calls, with specific rules for that consent (including clear disclosures and no requirement to sign for purchases). The bill also bans robocalls (including prerecorded messages and spam texts) and authorizes the Tennessee Attorney General to enforce these rules, seeking court-imposed fines for violations. This directly affects telemarketers operating in Tennessee and protects residents from unwanted calls and fraudulent charges.

Maddy summarySB 2059 authorizes Tennessee's Public Utility Commission (PUC) to provide its annual report electronically to the state General Assembly. The report covers the PUC's operations, utility company activities under its jurisdiction, and meeting minutes from the previous year. This bill amends Tennessee Code sections to update the reporting requirement from physical to electronic delivery, streamlining how lawmakers receive this information. It directly affects the PUC (which must issue the report) and the General Assembly (which receives it), but does not change the content or substance of the report itself. The change is purely procedural, making report distribution more efficient.

Maddy summarySB 2126 requires Tennessee's comptroller of the treasury to collect and summarize de-identified data about real estate investment trusts (REITs) purchasing single-family homes in the state. Specifically, it mandates a report by December 31, 2026, detailing the number of homes bought (with appraised values), homes acquired through foreclosure, homes sold, and homes used as rentals by REITs that purchased 10 or more single-family homes in 2025. The report must be submitted to the governor, legislative leaders, and relevant committee chairs. This bill directly affects REITs operating in Tennessee that meet the purchase threshold, but it does not change housing laws or restrict REIT activity - it only establishes a data collection requirement.

Maddy summarySB 2044 directs Tennessee's Department of Health to study health concerns and barriers to care specifically for people whose biological sex is female. The bill requires the department to identify obstacles in receiving better healthcare and submit a final report to the Tennessee General Assembly by January 1, 2027. It amends multiple sections of Tennessee law (Titles 28, 29, 49, 56, 63, and 68) related to definitions of biological sex. This is a procedural bill focused solely on mandating a study and report, with no immediate policy changes or direct impacts on healthcare services.