Sen. Paul Rose

Maddy summaryThis law allows the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to issue licenses to third parties for operating facilities like marinas, campsites, and restaurants on state-owned lands. To obtain these licenses, applicants must submit proposals advertised in local newspapers, and agreements can last up to three years without requiring a specific reason for termination. The bill also clarifies that individuals who already hold a permit to breed or propagate wildlife do not need to buy an additional personal possession permit. These changes aim to improve the use of state lands while simplifying permit requirements for certain wildlife businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the legal definition of a law enforcement officer in Tennessee to include retired officers who are carrying firearms under specific state laws. The change allows these retired individuals to be treated as active officers when determining whether they can legally carry a weapon in certain situations. By amending existing codes, the legislation clarifies that retired officers carrying pursuant to designated statutes are covered under the same rules as current officers. The law takes effect on July 7, 2024, and applies to interactions involving firearm possession and carry regulations.

Maddy summaryThis law lowers the blood alcohol concentration threshold for enhanced DUI sentences from 0.20% to 0.15%. It applies to drivers convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Tennessee on or after July 1, 2024. Under the new rule, individuals with a blood alcohol level of 0.15% or higher will face stricter minimum penalties than before. The change updates state statutes to reflect this lower limit for increased sentencing severity.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the deadline for state fire marshals and other agencies to perform building inspections from 72 hours to 10 business days. It directly affects contractors, builders, and property owners in Tennessee who request inspections for new construction or building renovations. The law applies to inspections that must be conducted by state officials rather than local authorities. This adjustment gives agencies more time to schedule and complete these safety checks without penalizing those who request them.

Maddy summaryThis law requires courts to order defendants charged with certain domestic violence crimes to wear GPS monitoring devices as a condition of their release on bail. Under the new rules, judges must also provide victims with a smartphone app or electronic device that alerts them if the defendant enters a restricted area or gets too close. The legislation mandates that these monitoring systems be available around the clock and that the defendant typically pays for the costs of the device unless the victim chooses to cover the expense. Courts must only waive this requirement if they determine the offender no longer poses a threat to the victim or public safety.

Maddy summaryThis law changes how Tennessee courts handle cases where a defendant is found incompetent to stand trial specifically because of an intellectual disability. When a judge makes this determination, they must now also decide if the person needs involuntary care and treatment at that same hearing. The bill removes the requirement for the district attorney general to file a separate complaint to commit such individuals to care, streamlining the process. These changes apply directly to judges, prosecutors, and individuals with intellectual disabilities facing criminal charges.

Maddy summaryThis law creates a new criminal offense called abortion trafficking of a minor, which applies to adults who recruit, hide, or transport pregnant minors under 18 for the purpose of having an illegal abortion. It also allows for civil lawsuits against anyone convicted of this crime, enabling parents or guardians to seek economic, non-economic, and punitive damages for the wrongful death of the unborn child. The statute explicitly excludes parents and legal guardians from being charged under these provisions and states that a minor's consent is not a valid defense against prosecution.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Tennessee health laws to formally include licensed professional counselors, marital and family therapists, and clinical pastoral therapists in the state's regulatory framework. By adding these three specific professions to the list of covered groups, the legislation ensures they are recognized alongside other licensed mental health providers under the same legal chapter. The change takes effect on July 1, 2024, and applies to all individuals holding these licenses within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Tennessee Criminal Injuries Compensation Act to extend the time limit for victims to apply for financial assistance after a crime. Specifically, it changes the deadline from thirty days to sixty days, giving victims more time to submit their claims for compensation. The law directly affects crime victims seeking state funds to cover losses and applies to the administrative processes within the Tennessee Code Annotated. By updating this timeline, the legislation aims to ensure that victims have a longer window to request aid without losing their eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Tennessee Attorney General to set their own salary and the pay for their assistants, provided the total amount stays within the budget approved by the state. The Attorney General's salary is capped at the higher of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court or a Class 1 official, ensuring their pay remains competitive with top state positions. Additionally, the law requires that all these salaries be paid out in regular installments from the state treasury rather than as a single lump sum.