Sen. Richard Briggs

Maddy summarySB 1230 expands who can submit electronic property records to Tennessee county offices. It specifically authorizes licensed attorneys, banks, mortgage lenders, title companies, and government entities (like counties and school districts) to file electronic documents. Electronic filing vendors must verify that submitters are authorized under the law and are liable for failures to do so. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and modifies existing statutes to implement these changes.

Maddy summarySB 771 removes a requirement that industrial and commercial property owners must get their local property assessor's consent before appealing property valuations directly to the Tennessee State Board of Equalization. The bill allows these taxpayers to file direct appeals with the state board by August 1 each year, without prior assessor approval. It also ensures that disputed tax amounts remain non-delinquent during appeals and prevents interest from accruing on those disputed portions until the state board issues its final decision. This directly affects business property owners and local tax collectors in Tennessee by streamlining the appeal process and reducing financial penalties during disputes.

Maddy summarySB 461 establishes licensing and regulatory requirements for anesthesiologist assistants in Tennessee. It requires these professionals to obtain a license from the Board of Medical Examiners, complete specific education and certification, and work exclusively under the supervision of a licensed anesthesiologist who delegates specific duties. The bill defines key terms like "assists" and "supervision," sets continuing education rules, and makes unauthorized practice a Class B misdemeanor punishable by fines or jail time. This directly affects anesthesiologist assistants seeking to practice in Tennessee and the supervising physicians who must oversee their work.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 57 honors Jasmine Smith, a Knoxville Montessori School student, for being named the statewide runner-up in the 2024 Tennessee Secretary of State's civics essay contest (9-12 grade category). The resolution specifically recognizes her achievement in the contest themed "Why Trusted Sources Matter," which focuses on civic education. It also notes her prior win as first place in the 6-8 grade category in 2023. This ceremonial resolution directly affects Jasmine Smith and serves as a formal commendation from the Tennessee Senate.

Maddy summarySB 1425 defines "lethal fetal anomaly" (a condition incompatible with life outside the womb) and "serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment" (e.g., severe preeclampsia, not mental health conditions). It exempts licensed physicians from criminal abortion charges when performing abortions or premature deliveries to address these specific conditions, provided they follow strict protocols. Key provisions require two physician concurrences for lethal anomaly cases, written notification about perinatal hospice options, and adherence to medical judgment for patient safety. The bill directly affects physicians and hospitals performing abortions in Tennessee under these defined medical circumstances.

Maddy summarySB 305 prohibits organizations receiving state financial assistance for programs or activities from denying benefits, excluding participants, or discriminating against eligible individuals based on race, color, religion, or national origin. This law directly affects state-funded programs, such as those providing social services, housing, or community support. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, to establish this non-discrimination requirement as a legal standard. It applies to all entities receiving state funds, ensuring equal access to services for all eligible residents. The bill passed the Tennessee Senate unanimously on March 17, 2025, but remains pending in the House.

Maddy summarySJR 55 is a resolution recognizing September 2025 as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in Tennessee. It highlights key facts about ovarian cancer, including that it is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S., with Tennessee reporting an estimated 380 new cases and 300 deaths in 2025. The resolution emphasizes the importance of early detection (with a 90% five-year survival rate when caught early) and barriers in care access for women of color, low-income individuals, and rural communities. As a symbolic recognition resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but aims to increase public awareness of the disease.

Maddy summarySB 548 strengthens Tennessee's ethics rules by clarifying that certain gifts to candidates and officials are prohibited if provided by an entity linked to a lobbyist's employer. It requires the governor and cabinet officers to disclose travel expenses paid by entities with a stake in state policy, including the source and amount. The bill also explicitly defines "indirect gifts" to cover arrangements where a lobbyist's employer or related business provides benefits. These changes take effect July 1, 2025, aiming to increase transparency around potential conflicts of interest.

Maddy summarySB 360 prohibits the construction of correctional facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes in areas designated as 100-year flood plains across Tennessee. It applies to all new construction permit applications submitted on or after July 1, 2025, directly affecting developers, healthcare providers, and local governments. The bill also bans re-licensing vacated facilities in flood zones for these uses and requires new additions to existing facilities in flood zones to be built above flood levels. This law amends zoning codes in Tennessee to align with federal floodplain mapping standards.

Maddy summarySB 363 shortens the deadline for licensing boards to notify Tennessee's Department of Health about disciplinary actions against healthcare providers who violate pain management rules. Specifically, it reduces the required notification period from 30 days to 14 days. This change directly affects healthcare providers (like doctors and clinics) facing discipline and the licensing boards that assess those penalties. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, and takes effect July 1, 2025.