Sen. London Lamar

Maddy summarySB 345 amends Tennessee's criminal abortion law to clarify that performing an abortion is not a crime when necessary due to a medical emergency affecting the pregnant person's physical or mental health, or when the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest. The bill directly affects licensed physicians who perform abortions under these specific exceptions. Key provisions remove criminal liability for such procedures by adding these exemptions to the statute, while maintaining that criminal abortion remains a Class C felony for other cases. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1121 deletes outdated language in Tennessee law that incorrectly identified the state board of education as the authorizer for public charter schools, a role that expired on June 30, 2021. The bill updates the state code by removing obsolete references and revising Section 49-13-110(d) to clarify the petition process for charter schools seeking to amend or terminate their agreements. This change directly affects public charter schools and their governing bodies by aligning the legal framework with current authorizer practices. The bill focuses on administrative clarity rather than new policy, removing expired provisions and updating procedural language.

Maddy summarySJR 52 is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally reaffirms the Tennessee General Assembly's intent to prevent the criminalization of pregnancy outcomes. It states the legislature opposes using state laws to prosecute pregnant people, their friends, or family members for pregnancy loss, miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion. The resolution highlights that Tennessee has the third-highest number of such criminal cases in the U.S. and notes that current laws disproportionately impact low-income residents and people of color. As a non-binding statement of legislative intent, it does not change existing laws but expresses the Assembly's position on this issue.

Maddy summarySB 404 amends Tennessee law to expand the crime of unlawful exposure to include distributing digitally altered intimate images created or modified using AI, editing software, or other digital tools - with the intent to cause emotional distress. It directly affects identifiable individuals whose private images are manipulated and shared without consent. The law specifically targets images of intimate body parts or sexually explicit conduct that were altered via technology, making such distribution a criminal offense. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to images created or modified using digital tools, not just original photographs.

Maddy summarySB 850 increases the monthly home office allowance for Tennessee General Assembly members from $1,250 to $2,250. It directly affects state legislators by raising their reimbursement for home office expenses. The bill amends Tennessee Code Section 3-1-106 to reflect this amount change and adjusts the effective date from 2024 to November 3, 2026. This is a procedural adjustment to legislative compensation, not a new policy affecting the public.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 1), not a law with policy changes. It formally commemorates the 90th anniversary of the partnership between the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW). The resolution expresses the Tennessee Senate's gratitude for their collaboration in providing reliable energy and supporting economic development in Memphis and Shelby County since 1933. As a symbolic gesture with no legal effect, it does not create new obligations, funding, or impact any individuals or entities beyond acknowledging this historical partnership.

Maddy summarySB 187, the "Reproductive Freedom Act," would establish new legal protections for abortion and reproductive healthcare in Tennessee. It defines "reproductive health care" broadly to include abortion, contraception, prenatal care, and fertility services, while affirming that pregnant people have fundamental rights to make decisions about their care without state interference. The bill deletes numerous existing restrictions across Tennessee law (including provisions in Titles 39, 49, and 53 that previously limited abortion access) and requires healthcare plans to cover reproductive health services. This legislation directly affects all Tennessee residents seeking or providing reproductive healthcare, particularly those needing abortion care or related services.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee law expands the crime of aggravated rape to include cases where the perpetrator knows they are infected with HIV and engages in sexual activity. The bill directly affects individuals charged with sexual offenses by adding a specific condition that increases the severity of the charge if HIV status is known to the defendant. It clarifies that "HIV" includes the human immunodeficiency virus and any other agent that causes AIDS. The change takes effect on July 1, 2024, and modifies the state's criminal code regarding sexual offenses.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution honors Lee Andrew Smith III for graduating from Loyola University of Chicago Law School. It formally commends his academic achievements and past leadership roles in student organizations and community service. The document serves as a ceremonial tribute rather than creating new laws or policies.