Maddy summarySB 390 allows Tennessee's comptroller of the treasury to publish certain survey data that was previously confidential, specifically aggregate survey results and individual responses that cannot identify participants. This affects the comptroller's office, which can now share anonymized survey information with the public, while still protecting identifiable details. The bill amends Tennessee law to explicitly permit this publication for surveys created, obtained, or compiled by the comptroller, excluding surveys from the office of open records counsel. It does not change how confidential data is handled for other state agencies. The policy change increases transparency around public surveys without revealing personal information.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 455 would have removed a restriction on Tennessee's parole board, allowing it to deny parole based solely on the seriousness of an offense for *any* crime - not just specific offenses previously covered. This change would directly affect incarcerated individuals in Tennessee whose parole eligibility is reviewed by the board. The bill amended Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-35-503(b)(2)(A) to remove the phrase requiring parole denial to "depreciate the seriousness of the crime," broadening the board's authority. The bill was signed by legislative leaders but vetoed by the Governor on May 5, 2025, so it did not become law.
Maddy summarySJR 432 is a non-binding resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to formally commend Sydney Farrell for her service as a legislative intern for Senator Paul Rose during the 2025 legislative session. The resolution highlights her academic achievements (including graduating from the University of Memphis in 2.5 years with a political science degree) and her contributions to the legislative process. It does not create any legal obligations or policy changes - it is solely a symbolic gesture of recognition. The resolution was approved by both chambers and signed by the Governor on May 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 456 amends Tennessee law to explicitly include robbery as a "crime of violence" within the state's criminal code. This change adds robbery to a list of offenses - including murder, rape, burglary, and aggravated assault - that are currently classified under this legal category. By doing so, the bill ensures robbery cases will be treated under the same sentencing and legal frameworks as other designated violent crimes. The amendment takes effect on July 1, 2025, impacting how Tennessee courts and law enforcement handle robbery prosecutions.
Maddy summarySB 376 prohibits Tennessee four-year public and private colleges and universities (excluding those governed by the Board of Regents) from discriminating against students, staff, or applicants based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin. It bans institutions from using race, ethnicity, or national origin in admissions decisions, financial aid, or scholarships, and requires them to keep such data confidential until decisions are made. The law creates private lawsuits allowing individuals to seek damages (including a minimum $4,000 statutory penalty), injunctive relief, and declaratory judgments for violations. It directly affects all covered institutions and their admissions, financial aid, and employment practices.
Maddy summarySB 525 requires a three-judge panel to review legal challenges to proposed charter amendments for Tennessee home rule municipalities, ensuring such challenges meet specific criteria (like alleging constitutional or legal violations). It directly affects local governments by prohibiting any charter amendment found to violate state law or the Constitution from appearing on voter ballots. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 20-18-101 and 6-53-105 to establish these requirements. This changes how local ballot measures are processed, adding a judicial review step for constitutional challenges and preventing non-compliant amendments from being voted on. The law became effective April 24, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 601 updates Tennessee's pretrial release rules for defendants using global positioning monitoring systems. It defines "qualified contract service providers" (companies managing GPS monitoring), requiring them to have 24/7 monitoring centers, written court protocols, and notify emergency dispatchers if defendants violate bond conditions. The bill also creates a process where courts must hold hearings within 10 days if defendants fall behind on monitoring costs, with options to revoke bond, require payment, or seek alternative funding (excluding local sheriff's departments). This directly affects defendants on monitored pretrial release, victims receiving alerts, courts imposing conditions, and private GPS monitoring companies.
Maddy summarySB 1127 removes the $10,000 cap on wages or compensation owed to a deceased employee's family. It requires employers to pay all unpaid wages directly to the surviving spouse or, if none exists, to the surviving children (jointly) without the previous limit. This change applies to all eligible family members who would have been entitled to payments under Tennessee's estate laws. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 30-2-103(b) and 31, effective upon enactment.
Maddy summarySB 1235 prohibits state regulatory and health-related boards from excluding members based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin. It bans race-based policies like affirmative action or racial quotas for board composition and removes existing requirements that appointing authorities ensure racial minority representation on certain boards. The bill creates private lawsuits for violations, including a $4,000 minimum statutory damages award, and waives state immunity for such claims. This changes how boards are staffed by eliminating race-based appointment goals while establishing new non-discrimination standards.
Maddy summarySB 1209 prohibits public schools and colleges in Tennessee from discriminating against students or employees based on race, ethnicity, religion, or other protected characteristics. It specifically requires schools to address antisemitic harassment or discrimination - defined using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s standard - in the same way as racial discrimination, and mandates each school to appoint a Title VI coordinator to monitor and investigate such incidents. The bill also encourages antisemitism awareness training and Jewish American Heritage curriculum integration in schools. It applies directly to all public K-12 schools and higher education institutions receiving state or federal funds, without restricting criticism of Israel or violating free speech protections.