Sen. Becky Massey

Maddy summarySB 310 amends Tennessee law to require a human driver in the front seat for autonomous vehicles used to transport property or passengers for hire in interstate commerce. This affects commercial ride-hailing and delivery services operating with self-driving technology. The bill mandates that the human driver must monitor the vehicle, be ready to take physical control, and hold a valid driver's license. It removes the existing exemption allowing fully driverless operation for these commercial uses, effective July 1, 2025. The change applies specifically to vehicles operating across state lines for compensation.

Maddy summarySB 610 requires TennCare to cover continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for eligible members with specific diabetes conditions. It directly affects TennCare enrollees diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes, or Type 2 diabetes meeting documented criteria like frequent low blood sugar episodes, high A1C levels, or hospitalizations related to diabetes complications. The bill mandates coverage only when prescribed by an endocrinologist or diabetes specialist confirming the member meets the eligibility requirements. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 446 requires Tennessee's advisory commission on intergovernmental relations (TACIR) to study road safety across all user groups - including teen drivers, older drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users - and report findings by January 15, 2026. The study must identify safety challenges for each group, recommend behavior improvements, and suggest new safety technologies. State agencies must assist TACIR using existing resources, and the report will go to key legislative committees and the legislative librarian. This procedural bill does not create new laws but mandates a comprehensive safety review.

Maddy summarySB 199 requires Tennessee's Commissioner of Revenue and Department of Safety to publicly promote existing options for drivers with intellectual, developmental disabilities, or medical conditions. Specifically, it authorizes these agencies to inform the public about voluntary designations on vehicle registrations (via the VTRS system) and driver licenses/ID cards that indicate a need for communication assistance. The bill amends multiple state code sections (Titles 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 54, 55, 65, 67) to include these public awareness provisions. It does not create new disability designations but focuses on increasing awareness of currently available options for affected drivers. The measure aims to improve communication between drivers and law enforcement during traffic stops.

Maddy summarySB 201 changes the deadline for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TNTD) to submit its annual report on transportation projects funded by the transportation modernization fund. The bill moves the submission date from "prior to January 1" to "prior to January 15" each year. This adjustment provides the department with an additional two weeks to prepare and submit the report. The bill directly affects TNTD's reporting obligations under Tennessee law and amends specific sections of the state code related to transportation. It is a procedural change with no new funding or policy requirements.

Maddy summarySJR 23 is a resolution honoring Kayla Brooks, a teacher at Emerald Academy in Knoxville, for being named the 2024 Teacher of the Year by the Tennessee Charter School Center. The resolution, passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor, formally recognizes her dedication to education and impact on students. It has no binding effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a ceremonial expression of appreciation for her professional achievements.

Maddy summarySJR 30 is a commemorative resolution honoring Sara "Lillian" Garrett Bean, a Knoxville resident and former clerk of Knox County courts who served for 18 years and was recognized for her community leadership, including organizing annual "Bean Suppers" for the YWCA. The resolution, passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor, formally commemorates her life and legacy without creating any new laws or policy changes. It serves as a ceremonial tribute to her public service and community contributions.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 24 formally recognizes the Tennessee Federation of Republican Women (TNFRW) on the occasion of its 70th anniversary, commending its service to the Republican Party and Tennessee citizens since its founding in 1955. The resolution highlights the organization's history, including its role in party infrastructure and recent milestones like granting voting rights to club presidents. Passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor in February 2025, it serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment with no legal or policy impact.

Maddy summarySB 205 requires TennCare health benefit plans (for Tennessee's Medicaid program) renewed or issued after July 1, 2025, to cover and reimburse FDA-approved biomarker testing for preeclampsia in pregnant women. This directly affects pregnant TennCare enrollees, health insurance carriers providing TennCare plans, and healthcare providers who order the tests. The bill mandates coverage only when ordered by a physician following clinical guidelines, using tests that meet FDA standards for detecting preeclampsia biomarkers in blood or tissue. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, with TennCare able to seek federal approval for coverage through CMS waivers.

Maddy summarySB 708 would have required Tennessee's Department of Safety to report by January 2026 on how driver license fees cover specific costs, including processing, information technology upgrades, and system maintenance. The report would have been submitted to the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee and the relevant House committee. This bill did not change current fee amounts or driver license procedures but aimed to clarify fee usage for legislative oversight. The bill was introduced in February 2025 but withdrawn before further action.