Sen. Richard Briggs

Maddy summarySJR 596 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Harold Wayne Sellars, a Farragut resident and Vietnam War veteran who died in 2026. The resolution commemorates his military service (U.S. Air Force, 1964-1968), career as an investment advisor, community involvement (including roles with the Optimist Club and Vietnam Veterans of America), and lifelong commitment to family. It expresses condolences to his surviving wife, daughter, and grandson, and does not create new laws or policies. This memorial resolution is purely symbolic, reflecting the legislature’s recognition of Sellars’ contributions to his community.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJR 595) honors Dr. John Hayne McLeod, a former University of Tennessee Dean of Agriculture, and commends the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture for naming its Food Science Building after him. It does not create new laws or policies; instead, it formally recognizes Dr. McLeod's decades of service to Tennessee agriculture, education, and public outreach through historical achievements. The resolution expresses the state legislature's esteem for his legacy, including his work establishing agricultural programs and improving food security in India after retirement. The bill passed unanimously in both chambers but serves solely as ceremonial recognition, with no direct impact on citizens or policy.

Maddy summarySB 2269 amends Tennessee law to extend the time for county legislative bodies to hold a meeting after a county mayor requests one due to public necessity, increasing the deadline from 48 to 72 hours. This directly affects county mayors and county legislative bodies (such as county commissions) across Tennessee by providing an additional 24 hours to prepare for required meetings. The bill updates Tennessee Code Annotated, Sections 5-5-105(a)(3), without changing the requirement that meetings must occur when the mayor deems public necessity requires them. The change takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Maddy summarySB 2274 allows Tennessee crematory facilities to provide electronic receipts instead of paper receipts when a person delivers a human body or body parts for cremation. This bill amends TCA Section 62-5-509(a) to update the legal requirement from "a written receipt" to "a written or electronic receipt," modernizing documentation for this specific transaction. It directly affects crematory operators and the individuals delivering remains by streamlining administrative processes. The change takes effect upon the bill's enactment, with no additional requirements for facilities or recipients.

Maddy summarySB 2493 requires Tennessee's Department of Health to prepare a report by January 1, 2027, analyzing the feasibility and costs of creating a statewide registry for implanted medical devices. The report must cover how such a registry would work and its maintenance costs, and it will be submitted to the Senate and House speakers. This bill does not establish the registry itself but mandates a study to inform future decisions. The registry would ultimately be available to all healthcare facilities in Tennessee.

Maddy summarySB 2278 changes reporting requirements for licensed hospitals in Tennessee. It increases the frequency of claims data submissions to the commissioner of health from quarterly to monthly, requiring hospitals to submit data within 60 days after each month ends. This bill amends specific sections of Tennessee Code (Titles 4, 29, 33, 56, 63, 68, and 71) related to health insurance reporting. The direct effect is on hospitals that must now provide more frequent data updates to state health authorities. The change focuses on streamlining the data collection process without altering the underlying health insurance policies.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors Joe Carson of Concord, Tennessee, for winning a gold medal in the 70-plus age division of basketball at the 2025 National Senior Olympic Games. It recognizes his athletic achievement and dedication, specifically highlighting his victory against 18 teams in his age bracket. The resolution, passed unanimously by both chambers and signed by the Governor, serves solely as a formal expression of commendation with no binding policy or financial impact.

Maddy summarySB 2271 requires the state board of equalization to provide written notice to county mayors when justifying an extension for property reappraisal programs. This bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 67-5-1609, changing the requirement from a general notification to a mandatory written notice. The change directly affects the state board of equalization (which handles property tax assessments) and county mayors (who oversee local property tax administration). It creates a formal written record for these justifications, improving clarity in the property tax reassessment process.

Maddy summarySB 1756 requires Tennessee's election finance registry to create and distribute a non-exclusive list of examples for "in-kind contributions" (non-monetary campaign donations like goods or services) that must be disclosed. This list must be provided to every state legislator at the start of each legislative session and to each candidate for state office within one week of certifying a campaign treasurer. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, Chapter 10, to standardize disclosure guidance for these contributions. It aims to improve transparency by ensuring candidates and lawmakers have clear, upfront information about required reporting categories.

Maddy summarySB 1688 (Tennessee) amends state law to allow retail alcohol licensees in airport terminal buildings to offer free product samples to customers. This directly affects alcohol retailers operating within commercial airport terminals by expanding their permitted activities under existing regulations. The bill adds a new provision (§57-3-204(h)(3)(F)) authorizing these complimentary tastings without requiring additional permits. The change takes effect upon becoming law, aligning airport alcohol sales practices with current retail options.