Sen. Becky Massey

Maddy summarySJR 410 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Beverly Anne Farrell, a Knoxville resident and longtime community member, following her passing. It formally recognizes her career as an IBM systems engineer, her work as an insurance agent, her family values, and her support for causes like St. Jude Hospital and the University of Tennessee. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to her family and commemorates her legacy of integrity and service. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact and directly affects no individuals or entities beyond acknowledging her contributions.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 408 is a commemorative resolution honoring Lieutenant Colonel Dean Keck, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired), on his retirement from his position as a Navy JROTC instructor at West High School in Tennessee. The resolution recognizes his 30-year military career, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and his seven years of service teaching JROTC at Tennessee high schools - where he helped establish the program at Union County High School and supported student leadership development. It was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor on May 2, 2025, as a formal tribute to his service.

Maddy summarySJR 409 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating South Knox Elementary School in Knox County for being named a 2024 National ESEA Distinguished School by the U.S. Department of Education. It formally recognizes the school as one of only two Tennessee schools and 100 nationally honored for outstanding academic achievement, closing achievement gaps, or serving special student populations. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's admiration for the school's administration, faculty, staff, and students. This resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of praise. It was signed by the Governor on May 2, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers.

Maddy summarySB 319 requires Tennessee public high schools (grades 9-12) to include instruction about the state's safe haven law in their family life curriculum. This law allows mothers to voluntarily surrender unharmed infants without criminal liability. The state board of education must develop guidelines for this instruction, collaborating with the nonprofit A Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee. Schools must implement this by the start of the 2025-2026 school year, making it effective for all subsequent school years.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 426), not a law. It formally honors Susan Long, the 2025 recipient of the John J. Duncan Sr. Award for Senior Advocacy, for her decades of service supporting seniors in Knoxville. The resolution recognizes her professional work with senior care facilities, community organizations, and advocacy during the pandemic, as well as her leadership roles in local nonprofits. It does not create new policies, funding, or obligations - it is solely a formal expression of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly.

Maddy summarySJR 439 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Joseph Galbato III for his retirement from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). It recognizes his 14 years of service as TDOT's Chief of Administration, Deputy Commissioner, and Chief Financial Officer, highlighting his roles in financial oversight, department modernization initiatives, and leadership during his tenure. The resolution formally expresses the General Assembly's appreciation for his contributions to TDOT's operations and integrity. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies, but serves solely to acknowledge his retirement. The resolution was signed by the Governor on May 1, 2025, and will be presented to Mr. Galbato.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) for winning the 2024 Southeast Roadeo, a competition testing heavy equipment operation skills across 11 states. It specifically recognizes TDOT employees who secured first and second places in multiple categories (skid steer, single axle dump truck) across all four TDOT regions. The resolution celebrates their achievement as part of TDOT’s tenth championship win since 2006, highlighting the event’s role in building teamwork and technical proficiency for road maintenance and emergency response. It does not create new laws or affect policy; it is purely a formal expression of commendation.

Maddy summarySJR 425 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Greg O'Connor, a Knoxville community volunteer who received the 2025 John J. Duncan Sr. Award for Senior Advocacy. It recognizes his decades of service, including 25 years of leadership at the John T. O'Connor Senior Center, organizing annual fundraisers, and supporting organizations like Family Promise and Justice Knox. The resolution formally praises his dedication to improving seniors' lives and helping vulnerable community members. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a public acknowledgment of his contributions. The resolution was signed by the Governor on May 1, 2025, and is now official state recognition.

Maddy summarySB 943 amends Tennessee law to change parenting time requirements in child custody cases and clarify domestic abuse definitions. It increases the minimum required parenting time from 2 to 3 hours per visit and from 10 to 15 hours for extended periods in temporary or permanent parenting plans. The bill also expands the definition of "abuse" in domestic violence law to include indirect acts committed through third parties (like family members or coworkers) on behalf of the abuser. These changes directly affect parents in custody disputes and domestic violence victims seeking protection under Tennessee law, taking effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 449, the "Fertility Treatment and Contraceptive Protection Act," establishes legal rights for individuals in Tennessee to access fertility treatments and contraception without state prohibition. It defines "fertility treatment" broadly to include procedures like in vitro fertilization, genetic testing of embryos, and medication for fertility, while defining "contraception" to cover methods such as birth control pills, emergency contraceptives, and sterilization. The law explicitly states that Tennessee law does not prohibit these activities, overriding conflicting state laws. This act takes effect on July 1, 2025, directly affecting all residents seeking these health services within the state.