Sen. Becky Massey

Maddy summarySB 206 changes Tennessee's hunting safety rule by allowing hunters to wear daylight fluorescent pink instead of daylight fluorescent orange during big game gun hunts. The bill removes the legal definition of "daylight fluorescent orange" and adds pink as an acceptable color for required safety garments, which must cover at least 500 square inches on the upper body and head. This directly affects hunters participating in big game seasons during gun hunts, requiring them to wear either fluorescent orange or pink apparel. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, aligning with existing safety standards while expanding color options.

Maddy summarySB 1434 repeals the law establishing the Tennessee Technology Corridor Development Authority (created under Chapter 148 of the Private Acts of 1983). This repeal only takes effect if approved by a two-thirds vote of Knox County’s legislative body. Without Knox County’s approval, the repeal does not become effective, making local consent a mandatory condition for implementation.

Maddy summarySB 705 requires Tennessee state special schools to provide teachers with the same leave benefits (like sick leave and paid family leave) and salary increases as public school teachers. It mandates that when public school districts receive salary raises or benefits, state special schools must receive equivalent funding for their teachers. The bill specifically applies to licensed teachers at state special schools, excluding top administrators and certain state employees. This change takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year, aligning state special school staff benefits with those in public schools.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 68 designates June 12, 2025, as "Women Veterans Appreciation Day" in Tennessee to honor the service of women veterans. The resolution recognizes the contributions of over 40,000 women veterans in the state and aligns with a commemorative event hosted by the Veterans Heritage Site Foundation. This is a symbolic gesture without legal effect, acknowledging historical service from World War II through current military roles.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 45 designates March as Tennessee Athletic Training Month to recognize the vital work of athletic trainers across the state. The resolution highlights their role in providing preventative care, emergency services, and rehabilitation for athletes and individuals in physical activities, acknowledging their contributions to public health and safety. It serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness of athletic trainers' profession, which is recognized by major health organizations as an allied healthcare field. This resolution does not create new laws or requirements but formally honors the profession's impact on community well-being.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 351) honoring Bob Kesling as the 2025 inductee into the Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee Hall of Fame. It recognizes his decade-long mentorship of youth, specifically his relationship with William Large, and his alignment with the organization's mission to support youth development through mentoring. The resolution formally commends his community service and dedication to strengthening local youth. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 238), not a substantive bill. It honors the late Edward Bruce Foster, Jr., a Knoxville attorney, community leader, and public servant who died in 2025. The resolution commemorates his life, career, and contributions - including his service on the Tennessee Supreme Court, leadership in the Knoxville Bar Association, and work with downtown development initiatives - and expresses condolences to his family. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or laws.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 237 honors the Knoxville Webb Spartans boys' basketball team for winning the 2025 TSSAA Division II-AA state championship, recognizing their tournament victories (including quarterfinals, semifinals, and title game wins) and key players like Cam Swearengen and Owen Lentz. It formally commends the team, coaches, and their community for their sportsmanship and championship performance. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or obligations but serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition by the Tennessee General Assembly.

Maddy summarySJR 236 is a resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor the Knoxville Webb Lady Spartans girls' basketball team for winning the 2025 TSSAA Division II-AA state championship. The resolution formally commends the team's victory, highlights their championship season, and recognizes key players, coaches, and supporters. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic expression of appreciation from the state legislature. The resolution was signed by the Governor on April 10, 2025, and is directed solely at celebrating the team's achievement.

Maddy summarySB 805 changes the deadline for the Tennessee Department of Education to notify local school districts about available state and federal grants for mental health services in schools, moving it from October 15 to October 1 each year. This adjustment provides school districts with earlier access to information about funding opportunities to expand mental health resources. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Section 49-1-107, without altering the grants themselves. School districts (local education agencies) directly benefit from this timeline change.