Sen. Becky Massey

Maddy summarySB 321 creates an advisory task force to review and recommend annual adjustments to state reimbursement rates paid to healthcare providers under state contracts. The task force, composed of 6 appointed members (3 by each legislative chamber, representing health professions) plus agency representatives, will assess whether reimbursement rates cover agencies' costs, staff salaries, and administrative expenses for frontline healthcare workers. It must submit annual recommendations by August 1, starting in 2026, focusing on ensuring rates are adequate to support quality care for vulnerable populations. This bill directly affects state-contracted healthcare agencies and providers who serve Medicaid and other state-funded programs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJR 263) is a ceremonial recognition of Bacon & Company, Inc., a Knoxville-based business celebrating its 100th anniversary. It formally honors the company for its century-long service as a Tennessee manufacturer and importer of custom apparel, promotional products, and sports equipment. The resolution has no binding effect - it simply expresses the General Assembly’s appreciation for the business’s contributions to the state. It does not create new policies, alter regulations, or impact any specific group beyond this symbolic acknowledgment.

Maddy summarySJR 182 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to officially recognize and commemorate National Arab American Heritage Month in April 2025. It acknowledges the historical contributions of Arab Americans to Tennessee and the United States across fields like business, education, government, and culture. The resolution does not create new laws or impose obligations but formally honors Arab American heritage and promotes awareness of their role in fostering diversity and countering harmful stereotypes. This resolution serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a policy change.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 224 is a ceremonial resolution commending Bayleigh J. Griffith for her service as a legislative intern for Senator Becky Massey during the 2025 Tennessee General Assembly session. It recognizes her professional conduct, academic background (Political Science major at the University of Tennessee), and contributions to legislative work, including her roles as a legal assistant and campaign assistant. The resolution does not create any legal obligations or policy changes - it is purely a formal expression of praise. This type of resolution is common for acknowledging specific individuals' service without altering laws.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 66) recognizing June 14, 2025, as "Honor Our Great Smoky Mountain Veterans Day" to commemorate veterans buried in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP), including nine War of 1812 veterans. It honors their service and sacrifices without creating new laws or policies. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Tennessee Senate on March 27, 2025, to support the Veterans Heritage Site Foundation's event honoring these veterans and related commemorations.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee Senate Resolution (SR 67) commemorates the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary in 2025, marking its founding on June 14, 1775. It honors the Army's historical contributions and sacrifices, including its role in the Revolutionary War and ongoing national security efforts, and recognizes veterans' service to democracy. The resolution is symbolic - expressing acknowledgment through a formal Senate statement with no new laws or policy changes. It was unanimously adopted by the Tennessee Senate on March 27, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 709 removes a now-expired pilot program from Tennessee law that previously aimed to improve parent-teacher engagement for kindergarten through second-grade students in public schools. The bill deletes Section 49-6-308 of Tennessee Code Annotated, which had established this program but expired in 2021. This is a procedural change to eliminate a redundant statute, as the program no longer exists and affects no current schools or families. The bill does not create new requirements or alter existing education policies.

Maddy summarySB 804 creates a "crime stoppers trust fund" in Tennessee's state treasury by requiring an additional $10 fine on offenders convicted of felonies or misdemeanors. The collected funds (after a $3 service charge retained by courts) directly support local crime stoppers programs, which are nonprofit organizations that collect public tips about crimes and offer rewards for information leading to arrests or recoveries. The bill specifies that funds must be distributed to the primary crime stoppers organization in each county, with grants used for public awareness, rewards for specific crime-related tips (like solving homicides or recovering stolen property), and up to 25% for administrative costs.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 214 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Tennessee legislature to honor Jeff Lyash upon his retirement as president and CEO of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). It recognizes his six-year leadership (2019-2025) and over 40-year career in energy, highlighting TVA's achievements under his tenure, including low energy costs, $1 billion in pandemic-era customer relief, and $45.9 billion in capital investment creating over 326,000 jobs. The resolution was unanimously adopted by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor, serving as a formal tribute with no policy changes or binding obligations.

Maddy summarySB 327 revises Tennessee's definition of "residential property" for property tax purposes. It expands the current definition to include any property that can be sold as a single unit (fee simple title), regardless of whether it's vacant, owner-occupied, rented, detached, or attached - provided it contains no more than one rental unit. This change directly affects property owners and assessors by broadening which properties qualify as residential for tax classification. The key mechanism replaces the previous requirement that properties must be "used for dwelling purposes" with a focus on the property's saleability as a single unit. This adjustment aims to simplify classification while ensuring properties meeting the new criteria are assessed under residential tax rates.