Sen. Bobby Harshbarger

Maddy summaryThis bill classifies the Tennessee One Health Committee as a governing body under the state's open meetings law, requiring its meetings to be open to the public. The legislation directly affects the committee, which is made up of representatives from various state agencies, academic institutions, and outside partners working on human, animal, and environmental health issues. By amending multiple sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the bill ensures that discussions and decisions made by this committee are accessible to citizens. The change applies immediately upon becoming law and establishes transparency requirements for the committee's operations.

Maddy summarySJR 365 is a resolution that formally commends Raneisha Wright for her exemplary service as a legislative intern for Senator Bobby Harshbarger during the 2025 Tennessee General Assembly session. The resolution, passed by both the Senate and House and signed by the Governor, recognizes her academic work at Fisk University (political science major), leadership as a student ambassador and Fisk University Royal Court member, and community service including youth advocacy and tutoring. This non-binding resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, but serves as a formal expression of appreciation for her contributions to the legislative process.

Maddy summarySB 1445 allows the town of Rogersville to hold advisory, nonbinding referendums on issues of "general and vital concern" by directing the county election commission to place questions on ballots. It directly affects Rogersville residents and its local government, enabling the town council to seek voter input on key matters without requiring binding decisions. The bill amends Rogersville's 1911 charter to create a process where the council requests ballot questions, but the votes themselves have no legal force. The bill requires a two-thirds vote of Rogersville's legislative body for approval before taking effect. It is a procedural change specific to Rogersville's local governance, not a statewide policy.

Maddy summarySB 619 allows licensed healthcare providers in Tennessee who completed a peer assistance or treatment program following a disciplinary action (like a consent order) to petition their licensing board to remove public records about that action after 10 years. The bill requires the relevant board to review and approve such petitions before removing the information from public licensing websites. It also authorizes Tennessee's Division of Health Related Boards to create rules for implementing this process, following standard administrative procedures. This change directly affects healthcare providers seeking to have past disciplinary records removed from public view after meeting the 10-year waiting period.

Maddy summarySB 620 allows owners of antique emergency vehicles (like historic fire trucks or ambulances registered as antiques) to use them for community events, such as school displays, fairs, and parades, and to install era-appropriate emergency lights and sirens. It specifically permits the operation of red, white, blue, or flashing lights and sirens during stationary displays at public events, organized parades, or with property owner permission on private land. Owners must obtain written authorization from their local fire department or police chief, maintain the documentation, and ensure lights/sirens match the vehicle’s manufacturing era. This bill amends Tennessee vehicle codes to create a limited exception for historic emergency vehicles while maintaining standard safety rules for active emergency vehicles.

Maddy summarySB 114 requires Tennessee state and local governments that borrow money to report certain financial events to the state comptroller. Specifically, these entities must disclose covenant violations (noncompliance with loan terms) and credit rating downgrades within 10 business days of occurrence. The bill amends disclosure rules to mandate this reporting directly to the comptroller’s office, rather than solely to governing bodies. This affects all public entities issuing debt, including cities, counties, and state agencies, and aims to improve transparency around financial risks. The law became effective March 12, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 302, the "Tennessee Consumer Protection and Subscription Renewal Act," prohibits businesses from requiring credit or debit card information for free trial or gift offers tied to automatic renewals or continuous services. It mandates that businesses obtain clear, active consumer consent before charging for renewals, disclose post-trial pricing upfront, and provide easy cancellation options (including online termination). The law directly affects businesses selling subscriptions or ongoing services in Tennessee, requiring them to clearly explain renewal terms and pricing changes before billing. These changes aim to prevent surprise charges and ensure transparency for consumers who sign up for free trials.

Maddy summarySJR 173 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Chief Scott Boyd of the Kingsport Fire Department upon his retirement after over 30 years of service. It recognizes his career beginning as a volunteer, his role as Chief since 2017, and his dedication to public safety in Kingsport. The resolution, passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor, formally commends his "exemplary career" and extends "best wishes for much continued success and happiness" during retirement. This is a non-binding commemorative measure with no policy changes or direct effects on laws or constituents.

Maddy summarySB 355 requires the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations to submit its biennial report on state coordination to the governor, rather than to the commission itself. This technical amendment updates Tennessee Code sections related to state entities (Titles 4, 8, 41, 52, 57, and 58) to clarify the report's recipient. The bill affects the commission's administrative process but does not change the content of the report or impact citizens or businesses. It is a procedural adjustment to state reporting requirements.

Maddy summarySB 352 requires Tennessee state agency heads to post their existing policies on recruiting, hiring, advancing, and retaining qualified individuals with disabilities on their agency websites. This bill directly affects all state agencies and departments by mandating transparency in their disability employment practices. The key provision is simply requiring the online publication of current policies - no new policies or changes to existing ones are created by this bill.