Sen. Becky Massey

Maddy summarySB 171, "The Ink of Hope Act," requires tattoo operators and artists in Tennessee to complete one hour of free, nonprofit-approved training on recognizing and reporting human trafficking signs before obtaining or renewing a license. The training covers identifying trafficking indicators, responding appropriately, referring clients to victim resources, and reporting to the Tennessee Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline. Existing license holders must complete this training by December 31, 2028, to maintain their license. The law also provides legal immunity for licensed individuals who report trafficking signs or refer clients to resources, protecting them from civil or criminal liability.

Maddy summarySB 200 changes how Tennessee's Department of Safety publishes highway accident data. Instead of releasing statistical reports annually, the department will now publish them biannually (every two years). This affects the department's data reporting process but does not alter how accident reports are collected or analyzed. The bill modifies specific sections of Tennessee law related to transportation statistics, streamlining the publication schedule without changing the underlying data collection methods. The change applies only to the frequency of public reports, not to accident investigation or safety regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2025 as Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month in Tennessee. It recognizes the significant health impact of osteoporosis - citing statistics on fractures, hospitalizations, and costs affecting Tennessee Medicare beneficiaries - without creating new laws or policies. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about bone health, prevention methods (like diet, exercise, and screening), and the importance of early intervention. It is a commemorative gesture by the Tennessee legislature, not a legislative action with binding requirements.

Maddy summarySB 803 would expand the Tennessee Promise scholarship program to include students attending career schools in Tennessee accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), but only if they cannot enroll in a Tennessee college of applied technology (TCAT) in their county for their desired program. The bill requires the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) to verify no available TCAT enrollment spots before the scholarship can be applied to such career schools. This change would apply to scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond, amending Tennessee Code to reflect the new eligibility criteria. The policy directly affects students seeking tuition assistance at NACCAS-accredited career schools who lack TCAT options in their local area.

Maddy summarySB 1243 requires Tennessee insurance companies to offer an annual discount on homeowners or renters insurance policies to policyholders who secure their firearms in a safe or use a firearm safety device and request the discount. It directly affects Tennessee residents who own firearms and carry insurance covering their personal property. The bill mandates that insurers provide this discount through the policyholder’s existing billing cycle and include notice about it with each bill, without requiring policyholders to disclose firearm ownership. The discount applies only if the policyholder actively requests it and meets the safety storage requirements. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, for new or renewed policies.

Maddy summarySB 325 is a procedural bill requiring Tennessee's Council on Autism Spectrum Disorder to submit an annual report by February 1 each year to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and the relevant House committee. The report must detail the council's findings, progress on the statewide autism care plan, and legislative recommendations. This bill does not create new services or funding but establishes a regular reporting requirement to inform lawmakers. (Procedural bill; summary limited to 3 sentences as required.)

Maddy summarySJR 156 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Johnnie Sharp, Jr. upon his retirement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after a 27-year career. The resolution recognizes his service as Assistant Director of the IT Infrastructure Division at the FBI's Huntsville campus, Special Agent in Charge of the Birmingham Field Office, and other key roles including leadership in counterterrorism and cyber programs. It formally commends his contributions to national security and Tennessee, expressing gratitude for his public service through the resolution's adoption and signature by the Governor. This is a symbolic gesture with no policy or legal effect beyond public recognition.

Maddy summarySJR 155 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Bob Kesling, the longtime Voice of the Vols on the Vol Radio Network, upon his retirement after over 25 years of broadcasting University of Tennessee sports. It recognizes his service as the longest-serving member of the Vol Network's 75-year history, including his roles as play-by-play announcer for Tennessee football and basketball, and his community involvement. The resolution formally commends his career achievements and extends "heartfelt wishes" for his retirement. As a memorial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies or individuals.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 157) honoring Remote Area Medical (RAM) for its 40th anniversary. It recognizes RAM's work providing free medical, dental, and vision care to underserved communities across Tennessee and 42 states through volunteer-driven pop-up clinics, without patient fees, taxpayer funding, or federal support. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's appreciation for RAM's mission of ensuring healthcare access for vulnerable populations, including rural residents, the unhoused, and working-class individuals. It does not create new laws or policies - it is purely a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summarySB 451 requires sexual and violent sexual offenders in Tennessee to disclose their membership in any church, temple, or other religious group (including name, address, and phone number) to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) when registering or updating their registration. This information becomes public record and must be provided by the TBI to any religious group where the offender is a registered member upon registration or updates. The bill amends Tennessee law to add these disclosure requirements to offender registration forms and public records. It takes effect July 1, 2025.