Sen. Richard Briggs

Maddy summarySB 366 shortens the deadline for Tennessee political parties to submit their operating rules to election officials. It requires parties to file these rules with the secretary of state and election coordinator within 15 days of adoption (instead of 30 days) to maintain ballot access for nominees and other party rights. This change applies to all major party rules governing elections across Tennessee. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 2-1-114(2) to reflect the new 15-day requirement.

Maddy summarySB 460 requires Tennessee's Department of Health to submit annual reports on needle and syringe exchange programs to both the General Assembly and the legislative librarian. These reports must include specific data like the number of people served, needles/syringes dispensed, naloxone kits distributed, and treatment referrals made. The bill amends multiple health care statutes (including Title 68) to add the legislative librarian as a required recipient of these reports. This change does not alter program operations but expands transparency by making this public health data accessible to the legislative library.

Maddy summarySB 549 requires Tennessee's TACIR (Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations) to study new ways to collect transportation fees for electric and hybrid vehicles, which are reducing gas tax revenue. The study must examine fee alternatives, their benefits and challenges, and review successful programs from at least three other states. TACIR must report its findings and recommendations to key legislative committees by January 1, 2026. The bill does not create new fees but directs TACIR to analyze options to maintain road funding as vehicle efficiency increases. This affects TACIR, state agencies, and future transportation funding decisions.

Maddy summarySB 358 requires Tennessee's Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to study the economic impact of cosmetology and barbering professions, including revenue generated and jobs supported in the state. TACIR must gather data from state agencies like the Department of Commerce and Insurance using existing resources, without new funding. After completing the study, TACIR must report findings and any proposed legislation to the chairs of relevant legislative committees (Senate Commerce and Labor, House committees) and the legislative librarian. This bill does not change current laws but aims to provide data to inform future policy decisions about these professions.

Maddy summarySB 562 regulates the sale of vapor products in Tennessee to restrict youth access. It creates a new definition for "retail vapor product store" (only accessible to those 21+), bans most vapor product sales outside these stores (with exceptions for hemp-derived products and unflavored cartridges), and requires age verification at entry and point-of-sale. The bill also mandates specific signage stating that persons under 21 cannot enter or purchase these products, and restricts vending machine sales to locations with age access controls. These provisions directly affect retailers selling vapor products, including convenience stores and dedicated vape shops, and aim to enforce age restrictions through clear operational requirements.

Maddy summarySB 463, the "Freedom to Grow Our Tennessee Families Act," requires health insurance plans in Tennessee to cover fertility diagnostic care, fertility treatment, and fertility preservation services starting January 1, 2026. It mandates coverage for up to three complete oocyte retrievals with unlimited embryo transfers (per medical guidelines) and prohibits exclusions based on medical history (like cancer treatment), use of donor gametes, or protected characteristics like race or disability. The bill explicitly excludes coverage for "experimental fertility procedures" as defined by medical standards. This directly affects enrollees with fertility needs, ensuring comprehensive coverage under their health insurance plans.

Maddy summarySB 775 requires that 10% of excess proceeds from delinquent property tax sales in Tennessee be allocated to provide tax relief for specific homeowners. It directly affects elderly low-income residents, disabled individuals, disabled veterans, and widows of disabled veterans. The bill amends tax code provisions to mandate this funding shift, directing the 10% toward a new relief program under Chapter 5 of Title 67. This policy change takes effect July 1, 2025, creating a dedicated funding source for targeted property tax assistance.

Maddy summarySB 774 adds a 5% penalty on past-due property taxes in Tennessee, with the penalty revenue specifically dedicated to property tax relief for elderly low-income homeowners, disabled individuals, disabled veterans, or the widows of disabled veterans. The penalty applies only to the base tax amount (not interest or other fees) and must be used to reduce taxes for the qualifying groups. This change takes effect July 1, 2025, and amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 67, Chapter 5. The bill redirects existing penalty funds to targeted relief rather than creating new taxes or benefits.

Maddy summarySB 369 requires Tennessee local governments (like cities and counties) to obtain at least three written quotes for most purchases costing between 40% and 100% of the current purchasing threshold, instead of allowing all purchases below the threshold to be made without quotes. This applies to items like equipment, supplies, or services where the cost is more than 40% of the threshold but less than the full threshold amount established by law. Local governments can set a lower minimum (above 40%) for this quote requirement through their own resolution or ordinance. The bill amends Tennessee procurement laws to implement this change, aiming to increase transparency for smaller purchases while allowing local flexibility.

Maddy summarySB 628 requires Tennessee's Department of Economic and Community Development to submit an annual report to specific legislative committees. The report must include the names of municipalities creating regional authorities, details on land acquired and improved, financing specifics for projects, and other relevant information. This bill directly affects municipalities establishing regional authorities and the legislative committees reviewing the report. It amends Tennessee law (Titles 4, 49, and 64) to mandate this transparency measure, though the bill is currently pending in the legislature.