Sen. Paul Rose

Maddy summarySB 1459 would repeal Bartlett’s existing animal control program, which was established under a 2007 local law (Chapter 47 of Private Acts). It requires approval by Bartlett’s city council with a two-thirds vote before taking effect, and the bill would only apply to Bartlett. This local bill does not change state law but removes the city’s current animal control framework upon local authorization.

Maddy summarySB 1442 establishes specific litter abatement rules for Tipton County, Tennessee, directly affecting residents, businesses, contractors, and event organizers. It requires all refuse to be contained in secure, closed containers (with wet garbage in waterproof bags), prohibits open dumping or littering in public spaces, and mandates regular cleanup at construction sites, vacant lots, and parking areas. Violations carry daily fines of $25-$50, and the law specifies the county landfill as the sole disposal site for most waste, banning unauthorized dumpsites. The bill requires approval by Tipton County’s legislative body before taking effect.

Maddy summarySB 1455 would amend Bartlett's city charter to limit both the mayor and each alderman to a maximum of three four-year terms (12 years total), with partial terms (e.g., due to appointment) not counting toward this limit. It also changes election procedures to require candidates to run for specific aldermanic positions (1-6) with staggered elections for each position, and mandates that sitting officials who run for another council seat must resign immediately upon filing. Additionally, the bill clarifies the mayor's authority to appoint and manage city employees while prohibiting discrimination in hiring based on race, religion, sex, age, disability, or genetic information. These changes require approval by a two-thirds vote of Bartlett's city council to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 396 amends Tennessee law to limit the governor's emergency powers by requiring legislative approval to extend a state of emergency beyond 30 days. It mandates that the General Assembly must pass a joint resolution to terminate, renew, or extend an emergency declaration, or establish a special legislative council during recess to extend it for up to 30 days. The bill directly affects the governor (when issuing emergency orders) and the legislature (when voting on extensions), while ensuring emergency actions cannot violate constitutional rights. Key provisions include a strict 30-day limit for emergencies without legislative action and a defined process for renewal during legislative breaks.

Maddy summarySB 457 lowers the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold for aggravated vehicular assault and homicide in Tennessee. It reduces the required BAC level from 0.20% to 0.15% for these offenses, making it easier to prove these crimes in court. The bill directly affects drivers charged with serious alcohol-related offenses under Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 39-13-115 (aggravated vehicular assault) and 39-13-218 (aggravated vehicular homicide). The change takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all cases filed on or after that date. This is a substantive policy adjustment to the legal definition of these crimes, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summarySB 932 creates a study committee to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a "distance to drive" program for individuals with suspended or revoked driver licenses due to DUI offenses. The program would allow license reinstatement if participants meet court-mandated objectives and complete all requirements set by the Department of Safety. This bill does not create the program itself but establishes a committee to study its potential implementation, directly affecting people convicted of DUI with license suspensions. The committee’s findings would inform future legislative decisions about the program, with no immediate policy changes enacted by this bill.

Maddy summarySB 931 amends Tennessee law by changing a deadline in food labeling regulations from July 1 to July 15 for certain provisions. The bill specifically modifies Tennessee Code Annotated Section 53-1-204(a)(2)(C), affecting how food products are regulated under state law. It does not prohibit labeling cell-cultured foods as "meat" (as the title suggests), but only adjusts a compliance date. The bill became effective on May 9, 2025, with the new deadline taking effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 933 revises Tennessee law governing employee representation on boards of public higher education institutions. It changes the requirement so that the employee representative appointed by the governor must come from an entity representing organized labor (like a union), rather than being an individual employee from organized labor. This clarifies that the representative must be affiliated with a labor organization, not just any employee who is part of a union. The bill became law on May 9, 2025, and applies to appointments made after that date.

Maddy summarySB 937 prohibits Tennessee public schools, school districts (LEAs), and their staff from requiring students, teachers, employees, or contractors to provide or use preferred pronouns. It allows schools to use a person’s legal name or pronouns consistent with their sex, and requires parental consent before using a non-sex-consistent name/pronoun for minor students. The law creates a private right to sue schools for violations, such as forcing pronoun use or disciplining someone for refusing, with claims needing to be filed within two years. This law directly affects all public school students and staff in Tennessee and takes effect May 9, 2025.

Maddy summaryTennessee's SB 503 designates June as "Celebration of Life" month, July as "Celebration of Liberty" month, and August as "Celebration of the Pursuit of Happiness" month in state law. The bill amends Tennessee Code Title 4 to formally establish these observances, referencing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This designation applies to all state entities and residents, encouraging recognition of these concepts through existing community activities. The law took effect on May 5, 2025, after being signed by the Governor. It does not create new programs or funding but changes how months are officially named in state statutes.