Sen. Richard Briggs

Maddy summarySB 1689 makes it illegal to use or sell personal identifying information (like home/work addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers) obtained from Tennessee government records for commercial purposes. It requires people requesting such records to sign an affidavit promising they won't sell or use the data commercially. Violating this law is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine per individual affected. The bill does not apply if the person whose information was obtained explicitly authorizes its commercial use.

Maddy summarySB 1415 creates a new criminal offense in Tennessee for knowingly exposing a child to fentanyl, carfentanil, or related opioids in a way that places the child in immediate danger of serious harm. It imposes a Class E felony penalty for children over age 8 and a stricter Class B felony penalty for children aged 8 or younger. The law specifically targets situations where a person unlawfully possesses these drugs in the presence of a child. If enacted, this bill would directly affect caregivers or adults who have these substances around minors. The bill is pending and would take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryTennessee's SB 1413 establishes a regulatory framework for hemp-derived cannabinoid products (HDCPs) like delta-8 and delta-10 THC, requiring licenses for manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. It creates specific tax rates for these products, mandates age verification (21+), and defines HDCPs as products containing cannabinoids derived from hemp with THC limits (e.g., ≤0.3% for delta-9 THC). The bill explicitly excludes CBD products, synthetic cannabinoids, and hemp fiber/grain from regulation. Businesses selling HDCPs must comply with licensing, tax collection, and labeling rules, while unlicensed sales face civil/criminal penalties.

Maddy summarySB 361 requires employers who know or reasonably suspect child sexual abuse of an unemancipated minor during employment or on their premises to report it to the minor's parent within 24 hours. Employers must also document the circumstances in the minor's employment file. Violations carry penalties of $1,000 for a first offense or $2,000 for subsequent violations, paid to the labor commissioner. The bill amends Tennessee law to add this reporting requirement, which supplements existing mandatory child abuse reporting laws.

Maddy summarySB 136 allows county and city council members in Tennessee to join legislative meetings online during family/medical emergencies, military service, or severe weather. Local governments must adopt this policy by a two-thirds vote, and online participation is limited to 20% of members (capped at three people) per meeting, with no more than two online appearances per member yearly. All meetings using this option must remain publicly accessible via live audio/video, with recordings available within two business days. The law, effective May 9, 2025, applies to both county and municipal legislative bodies.

Maddy summarySB 229 amends Tennessee's campaign finance laws to increase transparency and regulate campaign committees. It requires campaign committees to pay a $150 annual registration fee (candidates are exempt), raises violation fines from $100 to $250, and clarifies that campaign funds may cover litigation to support a candidate's election but not personal reputation. The bill also extends the period candidates can accept contributions after an election to cover campaign debts and exempts party-controlled committees from standard contribution limits. These changes directly affect campaign committees, candidates, and political parties by altering financial reporting, fees, and allowable spending.

Maddy summarySB 621 amends Tennessee's campaign finance laws to require corporations that independently spend their own funds on communications expressly supporting or opposing a specific candidate (without the candidate's or their campaign's prior agreement, consent, or consultation) to register as political campaign committees and report their expenditures. This directly affects corporations running ads or communications about elections without coordination with candidates or their official committees. The key provision clarifies that such independent corporate spending must now follow the same reporting rules as traditional campaign committees, increasing transparency in how outside groups influence elections. The law became effective on May 9, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summarySB 773 prevents development permits from expiring when lawsuits challenge them. It pauses the "vesting period" (the timeframe protecting approved projects) during ongoing court cases, ensuring developers retain their project rights. This directly affects property developers and construction companies with permits facing legal disputes. The law creates certainty for development timelines by halting the expiration clock while litigation proceeds.

Maddy summarySB 365 updates Tennessee zoning appeal procedures to increase transparency and clarity. It requires local zoning boards to maintain public records of proceedings, provide written reasons for decisions (including findings of fact), and clearly inform property owners about their right to appeal permit denials and seek judicial review. The bill directly affects homeowners, developers, and local zoning boards by standardizing how appeals are processed and documented. Key changes include adding "property rights; constitutional rights" to hearing procedures and mandating written notices about appeal options, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 308 amends Tennessee law to allow premier tourist resorts, urban park centers, and museums to serve liquor by the drink, while clarifying rules for commercial airline travel clubs offering alcohol. It also requires the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission to file an annual report listing people convicted under this section with specific legislative committees, starting December 1, 2025. The first report must include all prior convictions, and subsequent reports are due yearly. The bill became effective immediately upon the governor's signature on May 5, 2025. This directly affects venues seeking alcohol service permits and the commission’s reporting obligations.