Sen. Becky Massey

Maddy summarySJR 607 is a resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Steve Borden, a 34-year employee of the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), on his retirement. It recognizes his career progression - from intern to Region 1 Director - and highlights his leadership during Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The resolution formally commends his dedication to public service and extends best wishes for his retirement, serving as a symbolic gesture without enacting new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySJR 571 is a non-binding resolution urging the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to create monarch butterfly habitat along highway rights-of-way. It specifically requests TDOT dedicate sections of road corridors for milkweed and native wildflowers - critical for monarch eggs and caterpillars - and stop mowing existing habitat areas. The resolution highlights that habitat loss from development and frequent mowing has endangered monarchs, while repurposing highway areas could aid their survival and potentially reduce mowing costs. Currently pending before the Senate Transportation Committee (as of February 2026), it does not create new law but formally requests TDOT action.

Maddy summarySB 2356 requires Tennessee's commissioner of health to study recent laws in neighboring states about patient access and safety in assisted reproductive technology (ART) over the past five years. The study focuses on legislative changes affecting ART use, with findings and recommendations due to the legislature by December 31, 2026. It does not create new laws or regulations but directs the commissioner to gather and share information on how other states have addressed ART-related issues. This bill affects state health officials and the legislature, providing data to inform future decisions without altering current ART policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 569) passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to formally recognize and celebrate George Washington's birthday on February 22, 2026. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies; it is purely a symbolic gesture acknowledging Washington's historical contributions as "Father of our Country." The resolution cites his leadership during the Revolutionary War, role in the Constitutional Convention, and commitment to civilian rule. It was unanimously approved by both chambers and signed into effect by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 1727 deletes an obsolete provision in Tennessee law that required the comptroller of the treasury and TennCare drug utilization review committees to study prescription drug use and costs in nursing homes, with a report due by January 1, 2005. This bill removes a requirement that has been outdated since the 2005 deadline passed, as the study was never implemented. The provision affected no current policy or stakeholders, as it was no longer applicable.

Maddy summarySB 1674 expands Tennessee's safe haven law by adding 24-hour ambulance stations to the list of facilities where parents can safely leave newborns without legal consequences. The bill modifies existing statutes (TCA §68-11-255) to require that ambulance stations, like hospitals and fire departments, have staff continuously scheduled 24/7 to accept surrendered infants. This directly affects parents seeking to relinquish custody of newborns under the state's safe surrender program. The key change clarifies that facilities must meet specific staffing requirements (24/7 coverage by licensed providers) to qualify as safe surrender locations.

Maddy summarySB 1623 requires Tennessee's annual vehicle registration stickers to use a different color scheme each year starting in 2027. This affects all vehicle owners in Tennessee who renew their registration annually. The bill mandates that the color scheme of the validation sticker issued for one calendar year must differ from the scheme used in the previous year. The requirement becomes effective January 1, 2027, and applies to all motor vehicle registrations under Tennessee law.

Maddy summarySB 1491 amends Tennessee law to change the annual reporting deadline for managed care organizations participating in the TennCare program. Specifically, it moves the submission date for their annual reports from March 1 to February 1 each year, as specified in Tennessee Code Annotated Title 71, Chapter 5, Part 1. This procedural change affects all managed care organizations required to report to the TennCare bureau. The bill does not alter program benefits, eligibility, or funding, only the timing of a required administrative report.

Maddy summarySJR 83 is a ceremonial resolution designating February 22, 2025, as "George Washington Day" in Tennessee to honor the legacy of George Washington, the first U.S. president and Founding Father. It encourages Tennessee citizens to reflect on his contributions to the nation's founding, including his leadership during the Revolutionary War and establishment of presidential term limits, without creating new legal requirements or affecting any specific group. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the Tennessee Senate on February 27, 2025, and referred to the House of Representatives.

Maddy summarySB 450, the "Savannah Grace Copeland Act," increases funding for Tennessee's child advocacy centers, which serve abused and neglected children across all judicial districts. It requires that any future funding increase for the Department of Children's Services' child protective services must include a 75% corresponding increase for child advocacy center contracts. The bill sets new base contract amounts: $127,855.98 for full centers and $85,000 per forensic child interviewer. These changes take effect July 1, 2025, but require separate legislative appropriations to be implemented. The bill addresses decades of stagnant funding, aiming to support centers that served over 32,000 children in 2024 with forensic interviews, medical exams, and mental health services.