Sen. Becky Massey

Maddy summarySB 707 updates Tennessee's rules for selling age-restricted products like tobacco, vaping, and smokeless nicotine. It raises the age threshold where proof of age is no longer required from 30 to 50 years, meaning retailers must verify age for anyone appearing under 50. The bill also requires mail distributors to obtain written confirmation that buyers are at least 21 and prohibits sales to anyone under 21. These changes apply to all retailers and distributors selling these products in Tennessee. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 174 amends Tennessee law to update requirements for surgical assistants seeking board registration. It adds the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) as an accepted credentialing body alongside the National Commission for Certification of Surgical Assistants, allowing applicants to maintain current ABSA credentials. The bill also removes the December 31, 2019, deadline for applicants to register based on practical experience, making registration more flexible. This change directly affects surgical assistants in Tennessee seeking state licensure, effective March 25, 2025. The law modifies Tennessee Code Annotated § 63-6-219(b)(1) and (b)(3).

Maddy summarySB 1244 (Tennessee) requires domestic violence respondents who transfer firearms to a third party (instead of surrendering them to authorities) to specify the third party’s name and the exact physical address where firearms are stored on the dispossession affidavit. The third party must also sign the form to confirm receipt of the firearms. This amendment to Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-3-625(f)(3) applies specifically to cases involving orders of protection and aims to improve tracking of firearms in domestic violence situations. The bill does not change existing prohibitions on firearm possession but adds transparency requirements for third-party transfers.

Maddy summarySB 704 creates new Class B misdemeanor offenses for impersonating ride-hailing (e.g., Uber/Lyft) or traditional taxi drivers in Tennessee. It prohibits falsely using a company’s logo, claiming to be responding to a ride request, or making false statements about having a connection to these services. The law directly affects individuals who impersonate drivers to deceive passengers or gain unauthorized access to ride services. Violations are punishable as Class B misdemeanors, rising to Class E felonies if committed during another felony. The bill applies to all drivers of transportation network companies and private passenger-for-hire vehicles (like taxis), excluding personal vehicles used with ride-hailing apps.

Maddy summarySB 320 lowers the population threshold for sports facilities to qualify for liquor-by-the-drink licenses from over 500,000 to over 350,000 residents (based on the 2020 census or later). It directly affects sports facilities in counties meeting this new threshold, including those previously ineligible under the higher standard. The bill also prohibits new liquor licenses for facilities in Hamilton County after March 1, 2030, and requires local law enforcement to annually report public safety issues at these facilities to the state legislature. This amendment to Tennessee Code Annotated § 57-4-102 was enacted on March 25, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 51 designates February 22, 2025, as George Washington Day in Tennessee to honor the first U.S. president and his contributions to the nation's founding. This ceremonial resolution encourages all Tennessee citizens to reflect on George Washington's legacy, including his leadership during the Revolutionary War, role in drafting the Constitution, and commitment to republican ideals. It has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely a symbolic recognition. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Tennessee Senate on April 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 53) designates May 2025 as "Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month" in Tennessee. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public and health professional awareness about osteoporosis prevention and bone health. The resolution highlights statistics showing osteoporosis causes significant health impacts and costs for Tennessee residents, particularly among Medicare beneficiaries aged 50+. It is a symbolic gesture to encourage education and proactive care, not a policy change.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 50 designates March 2025 as Tennessee Athletic Training Month to recognize the vital role of athletic trainers in providing preventative care, emergency services, and rehabilitation for athletes and active individuals across the state. The resolution highlights that athletic trainers collaborate with physicians to ensure safety and health in settings ranging from youth sports to professional athletics. This non-binding resolution, adopted unanimously by the Tennessee Senate with no opposing votes, serves as an official acknowledgment of the profession without creating new laws or funding obligations.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 52 is a symbolic resolution recognizing National Arab American Heritage Month in April 2025. It commemorates the cultural contributions and heritage of Arab Americans to Tennessee and U.S. society, highlighting their roles in fields like medicine, business, and civic service. The resolution has been adopted unanimously by the Tennessee Senate and serves as a formal state acknowledgment of these contributions, with no binding policy changes or direct impact on specific groups.

Maddy summarySB 323 allows the Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission to name real property, infrastructure, or features under its jurisdiction - such as parks, trails, or facilities - without requiring additional legislative approval. It amends Tennessee Code Sections 3-2-112, 4-1-412, and Title 70, Chapter 1, Part 2 to formally grant this naming authority. The bill became law on April 4, 2025, after passing the legislature and being signed into public chapter 141. This procedural change directly affects the Commission’s administrative authority over its managed properties.