Sen. Paul Rose

Maddy summarySB 375 increases penalties for driving without a valid license in Tennessee. A first offense becomes a Class B misdemeanor (up from Class C), and a second or subsequent offense within 10 years becomes a Class A misdemeanor. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 39-11-101 and 55-50-301 to implement these changes, effective July 1, 2025. It directly affects drivers convicted of operating a vehicle without a valid license.

Maddy summarySB 2365, the "Parental Rights Protection Act," requires courts to hold an expedited hearing within 15 days if a bond condition restricts a defendant's parental contact, custody, or visitation with a minor child (excluding cases where the child is a victim). The government must prove, with clear evidence, that a present threat of harm exists, less restrictive alternatives won't prevent harm, and the restriction serves the child's best interests. The bill presumes parental contact is in the child's best interest, shifting the burden to the government to justify restrictions. This directly affects defendants in criminal cases, courts issuing bond conditions, and children whose custody or visitation rights are restricted.

Maddy summarySB 1740 changes penalties for individuals under 21 who illegally purchase or possess tobacco, vaping, or nicotine products. For a first violation, courts may now require community service (up to 50 hours), completion of a court program about product dangers, or a 90-day informal adjustment. For second or subsequent violations, courts must add up to six months of probation (along with community service and the program). Parents or guardians of minors may face a $10-$50 civil penalty, and the law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1483 allows Tipton County's legislative body to create a specialized "Environmental Court" within its general sessions court. This court would handle cases involving alleged violations of local ordinances related to health, housing, fire, land subdivision, building, or zoning. The bill grants judges in this court the power to issue injunctions, order violators to correct violations at their own expense, and impose limited penalties (up to $50 or 10 days in jail) for failing to comply with court orders. The bill requires a two-thirds vote approval by Tipton County's legislative body to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 1489 amends the charter of the Town of Mason to update its governance structure. It revises rules for vacating offices (e.g., due to resignation, disability, or conviction), sets requirements for taking office (including an oath), and mandates 48-hour public notice for special meetings. The bill establishes formal meeting procedures using Robert’s Rules of Order, requires annual disclosure of financial interests by officials, and mandates an annual ethics policy. These changes directly affect Mason’s mayor, aldermen, town administrator, and town attorney, governing how the town conducts meetings, manages conflicts of interest, and administers its government.

Maddy summarySB 2041 creates a civil lawsuit for individuals whose intimate images (such as photos or videos of private areas or sexual activity) are shared without consent. Victims can sue for monetary damages - including up to $150,000, actual harm like emotional distress, or the defendant's profits - and seek court orders to stop the sharing or protect their identity using a pseudonym. The law defines "intimate image" and clarifies that consent for creating the image doesn't cover sharing it, requiring written agreements for valid consent. It includes exceptions for law enforcement reporting and good-faith sharing to assist the victim, while shielding internet companies from liability for proactively restricting such content.

Maddy summarySB 1828 requires public schools and colleges in Tennessee to include instruction on the "positive impacts of religion on American history" when teaching American history. It specifically allows teachers to cover 19 historical examples, such as the Pilgrims' religious practices, religious references in the Declaration of Independence, George Washington's views on religion, and the role of religious leaders in the Civil Rights Movement. The bill states this teaching is consistent with the First Amendment and aims to provide an "accurate historical account" of religion's influence. It applies to all public school teachers, administrators, and higher education instructors in Tennessee, though it does not mandate specific content - only that these topics may be included. The bill claims this approach reduces "ignorance of American history, hate, and violence."

Maddy summarySB 394 allows home buyers and borrowers to select their own closing company for real estate transactions in Tennessee. It prohibits sellers from requiring a specific closing company and prevents that company from charging fees to sellers without the written consent of the seller's attorney. Sellers may hire their own attorney to handle closing matters, but the closing company must obtain the attorney's approval before collecting any fees from the seller. This bill directly affects buyers, sellers, closing companies, and title insurance providers involved in property sales.

Maddy summarySB 377, the "Tennessee Procurement Protection Act," prohibits Tennessee state agencies and local governments from purchasing goods or services from "foreign adversary companies" - defined as entities based in or controlled by countries designated by the U.S. as national security threats (e.g., China, Russia). Companies bidding on state contracts must certify they are not foreign adversary companies, with false certifications risking fines up to $250,000 or twice the contract value, contract termination, and a 60-month bidding ban. Exceptions allow purchases from such companies only if no alternative exists and the purchase is pre-approved by the state department after assessing security risks. The law aims to ensure state procurement avoids suppliers vulnerable to foreign influence, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1850 amends Tennessee law to prevent the Department of Children's Services from requiring relative caregivers (including those in kinship foster care programs) to provide a child with their own bedroom when determining placement. The bill directly affects relative caregivers and the department by removing this specific housing requirement, unless safety or medical reasons necessitate it. Key provisions clarify that placement decisions must prioritize a child's best interest without mandating separate bedrooms, easing barriers for families with limited housing space. This change applies to all kinship foster care placements under the amended sections of Tennessee Code Annotated.