Sen. London Lamar

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (not a law) commending Marie Garroway for her service as a legislative intern for Senator London Lamar during Tennessee's 2025 legislative session. It directly honors Garroway, a Vanderbilt University public policy student, for her work supporting legislators, researching policy, and advancing civic engagement. The resolution has no policy changes or mechanisms - it simply expresses the Senate's formal recognition of her contributions. It passed unanimously (32-0) and was signed by the Senate Speaker on April 8, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 575 requires all Tennessee hospitals and birthing centers offering labor and delivery services to provide new mothers (and, if possible, a caregiver or family member) with clear information about post-birth warning signs - such as symptoms to watch for and local resources - before discharge. The Tennessee Department of Health must also supply this information to all facilities and make it publicly available on its website. This law directly affects healthcare providers in maternal care and ensures new mothers and their support networks receive standardized, accessible guidance on postpartum health concerns. It revises state law to improve maternal health communication without changing medical standards or treatment protocols.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 119 (SR 119) recognizes April 11-17, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week in Tennessee. It highlights the disproportionate maternal mortality and morbidity rates faced by Black women and birthing persons in the U.S., citing CDC data showing Black women are 2-3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of systemic health inequities, including racism in healthcare and maternity care deserts. It aims to raise awareness about preventable maternal health disparities without proposing concrete legislative action.

Maddy summarySB 1253 creates a new Class A misdemeanor offense for individuals who carry or possess a privately assembled firearm without a serial number (or other federal-compliant mark) if they are not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The bill directly affects non-citizens and non-permanent residents in Tennessee who possess such firearms, as defined by the law. Key provisions amend Tennessee Code § 39-17-1307 to prohibit this specific conduct, referencing federal firearm marking requirements under 18 U.S.C. § 923(i). The law would take effect July 1, 2025, if enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Tennessee Sexual Violence Justice Act, establishes new requirements for law enforcement officers investigating sexual assault cases in Tennessee. It mandates that investigators complete annual trauma-informed training focused on victim-centered approaches, with specific curriculum standards developed in coordination with victim advocates and healthcare providers. The legislation also requires the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to test sexual assault evidence collection kits within 90 days of receipt and submit annual reports on testing timelines to state officials. Additionally, the bill ensures that DNA profiles from these kits are eligible for entry into national and local DNA databases to aid in solving cases.

Maddy summarySB 851 would authorize Tennessee's governor to expand Medicaid coverage for low-income residents under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), directly affecting thousands of Tennesseans currently ineligible for Medicaid. The bill specifically allows the governor to negotiate the terms of this expansion with federal officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It amends state law to remove barriers to implementing the ACA's Medicaid expansion, which would extend health coverage to more adults with low incomes. The bill does not create new funding but provides the legal framework for the state to join the federal Medicaid expansion program.

Maddy summarySB 1122 establishes Tennessee's temporary youth mental health service program, providing free mental health and substance use disorder services to youth under 18. The program uses a state-developed portal for age-appropriate screenings and connects youth with providers for up to three initial sessions (with possible additional sessions), reimbursing providers through existing K-12 mental health funds. It requires providers to maintain client confidentiality and mandates a statewide outreach campaign involving schools and community organizations. The program expires on July 1, 2026, with the department required to report service statistics by that date.

Maddy summarySB 523 proposes a five-year pilot program (2026-2030) providing eligible Tennessee households with an annual $5,000 supplemental income grant. It directly affects low-income households with at least three family members (including extended relatives like nieces/nephews), residing in Tennessee, and earning under $30,000 adjusted gross income (excluding the grant). The program requires annual reapplication, funds the grants through existing sources like tax donations and federal funds, and ends with leftover money returning to the state’s revenue reserve. The Department of Human Services would administer the program, creating forms and rules for applications.

Maddy summarySB 44 adds doula services to TennCare, Tennessee's Medicaid program, making coverage available for certified doulas who provide continuous emotional and physical support during labor, birth, and postpartum care. It directly affects low-income pregnant people in Tennessee who may now access doula support through TennCare. The bill requires the Department of Health to establish a certification verification process for doulas who complete approved training programs meeting specific standards, including knowledge of anatomy, support strategies, and community resources. This process will verify doulas' qualifications before they can provide services covered under TennCare.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 64) honoring Dr. Tracey Morant Adams for her service as South Eastern Region Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. It recognizes her leadership in the sorority's Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama chapters, her community work, and her professional role as Chief Community Development Officer at Renasant Bank. The resolution has no policy impact - it is a formal tribute expressing the Senate's appreciation for her contributions. It was unanimously passed by the Tennessee Senate on March 20, 2025.