Sen. Richard Briggs

Maddy summarySB 2283 shortens the deadline for Tennessee cities to report how they spend tourism-related occupancy taxes. Specifically, it changes the reporting period from 90 days to 60 days after each fiscal year ends. This affects cities that levy occupancy taxes under general law, requiring them to file detailed reports with the Department of Tourist Development about tourism spending. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 67-4-1403(c)(1) and related provisions to implement this deadline change.

Maddy summarySB 2162 allows local government bodies (like city councils or school boards) to hold private executive sessions specifically for interviewing director-level job candidates without public notice. The bill requires decisions about hiring to be made in open meetings later, mandates that minutes list attendees (excluding applicants), and lets job applicants request confidentiality for their applications. If selected, applicants' interview materials may become public under records requests, but unselected applicants' materials must stay confidential upon request. This directly affects local hiring processes for senior staff positions and modifies Tennessee's open meetings law (TCA Title 8) to balance privacy for applicants with public transparency.

Maddy summarySB 1620 requires Tennessee's Alcoholic Beverage Commission to create an annual report listing individuals convicted of alcohol-related offenses involving vaporizing devices. The report must be submitted to specific legislative committee chairs by December 1 each year, starting December 1, 2026. This bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 57 to establish this reporting requirement, affecting the Commission and legislative committees, but does not change existing alcohol laws or penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Tennessee's alcohol beverage commission to restore licenses or permits to wholesalers or retailers within five business days if they provide requested business records to the commissioner of revenue. It directly affects alcohol businesses whose licenses were suspended or revoked solely for refusing to allow record inspections. The law mandates that once the documents are submitted, the commissioner must notify the commission, triggering automatic reinstatement. This changes the previous process by setting a strict timeline for license restoration when businesses comply with inspection requests. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 57, Section 57-6-202.

Maddy summarySB 2163 limits liability for celebrities who endorse alcoholic beverages or alcohol-serving establishments in Tennessee. It clarifies that celebrity endorsement agreements - where a celebrity licenses their image for promotion - do not create ownership interest or make the celebrity legally responsible for injuries, deaths, or damages related to the endorsed brand or venue. To qualify, celebrities must be 21+, U.S. citizens, and have no recent alcohol-related convictions or felony convictions. The law applies to all such agreements, including social media promotions or live appearances, and requires the alcohol commission to verify celebrity eligibility if they receive 5%+ of sales proceeds.

Maddy summarySB 1757 amends Tennessee election law to require county election commissions to notify individuals who file petitions for recall, referendum, or initiative if their documentation contains errors or is incomplete. This directly affects petitioners seeking to trigger these election processes by providing them with specific feedback on missing or defective paperwork. The key provision adds a new requirement to state law (TCA Title 2) that commissions must proactively inform filers of defects, rather than simply rejecting incomplete submissions. The bill creates a clearer process for petitioners to correct issues before deadlines expire, without changing voting rules or outcomes.

Maddy summarySB 1760 allows housing authorities, industrial development corporations, and community redevelopment agencies to require property owners in designated redevelopment areas to make payments securing the agencies' bonds. These agreements must be recorded as a lien on the property, which takes priority over all existing and future mortgages or liens. The lien is treated like a property tax lien and runs with the land, meaning it stays attached to the property even if ownership changes. Property owners in redevelopment zones would be directly affected by these payment obligations and the lien's priority status.

Maddy summarySB 1944 allows Tennessee local governments (like city councils or county commissions) to hold community meetings with some participants joining virtually via video or audio. It requires these meetings to provide real-time public access to view/listen, publish clear notice about virtual participation, post recordings online within four business days, and maintain recordings for three years. The bill specifically prohibits voting during meetings where members participate electronically, ensuring in-person voting remains the standard for decisions. This directly affects how local bodies conduct public meetings, balancing virtual access with transparency requirements.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 1179 formally honors Mery Diaz, the 2026 valedictorian of Bearden High School, for her academic excellence. The resolution commends her high grade point average and participation in extracurricular activities, acknowledging her as a distinguished student in Tennessee. This legislative action serves as a public commendation and does not alter any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution formally recognizes Isabella Huddleston as the 2026 Salutatorian of Central High School in Tennessee. The bill commends her academic achievements and directs the state clerk to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to her. This measure serves as an official acknowledgment of her high school graduation honors.