Sen. Richard Briggs

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 623) updates Tennessee law to require the Office of Open Records Counsel to help schedule the annual meeting of the advisory committee on open government. Specifically, it mandates that the Office select a meeting date if the co-chairs are unavailable. The bill directly affects the Office of Open Records Counsel and the advisory committee, ensuring regular committee meetings occur without delay. It is a procedural change focused on administrative logistics, not substantive policy.

Maddy summarySB 629 changes Tennessee's hotel and motel occupancy tax law by extending the period municipalities can collect taxes from three to four years. This directly affects local governments that impose this tax on hotel/motel stays. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 7-4-107 and 67 to update the tax collection timeframe. The change became effective May 5, 2025, after the governor signed it. It is a procedural adjustment to the tax collection period with no impact on tax rates or revenue amounts.

Maddy summarySB 626 amends Tennessee's election laws to require county election commissions to publish locations of provisional counting boards and prohibit tabulating marked ballots submitted online. It also bans voting machines from connecting to the internet, directly affecting how counties manage ballot processing and voting technology. The bill makes these specific procedural changes to election administration without altering voter eligibility or ballot access. Signed by the governor on May 5, 2025, it became effective May 13, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1414, effective May 5, 2025, strengthens Tennessee's alignment with the federal 340B drug discount program by prohibiting drug manufacturers from restricting access to 340B drugs or imposing unfair requirements on participating entities. The bill directly affects 340B entities (such as community health centers and hospitals) and their contracted pharmacies, banning actions like denying 340B drug access, demanding extra health data, or applying stricter audit rules than for non-340B providers. Key provisions require manufacturers to comply with federal 340B rules and prohibit interference with 340B entities' drug choices or contracts. Violations carry a $50,000 civil penalty per violation, enforceable by the state commissioner or attorney general. The law explicitly states it does not override applicable federal 340B regulations.

Maddy summarySB 359 allows Tennessee healthcare licensing boards to issue licenses with a "private advocacy order," requiring applicants to participate in a board-approved peer assistance program instead of facing immediate disciplinary action. This applies directly to healthcare professionals (like doctors or nurses) whose medical conditions may impair their ability to practice competently. The key provision makes these orders confidential and non-public records, but if a provider fails to maintain participation, the order becomes public and triggers disciplinary proceedings. The law amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 63 to create this alternative to traditional licensing restrictions.

Maddy summarySJR 535 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Randy Stamps, the former Executive Director of the Tennessee State Employees Association (TSEA), upon his retirement in 2023. It formally recognizes his seven-year service as TSEA's Executive Director, his prior roles as TSEA Director of Government Affairs, policy counsel for the Tennessee House of Representatives, and his 10-year tenure as a Tennessee House of Representatives member (1988-1998). The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's appreciation for his career contributions, professional integrity, and dedication to public service. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policies - it solely serves as a formal tribute to Stamps.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors Karlee Cronan, the 2025 salutatorian of Knoxville Christian School, for her academic achievements including a 3.92 GPA and multiple scholarships. It formally commends her through a symbolic resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly, with no binding policy effects or financial impact. The resolution directly affects only Karlee Cronan as the honoree, recognizing her accomplishments without altering any laws or regulations. As a memorial resolution, it follows standard procedural format with no concrete legislative changes.

Maddy summarySJR 467 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Yeshi Hammann as the 2025 Valedictorian of Knoxville Christian School. It formally commends her academic achievements (including a 3.93 GPA), leadership as volleyball team captain, participation in National Honor Society, and community service. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or laws - it serves solely as a symbolic recognition from the Tennessee General Assembly. The resolution was enacted after passing both chambers and receiving the Governor's signature.

Maddy summarySJR 465 is a symbolic resolution honoring Jack Magee, the 2025 Valedictorian of Christian Academy of Knoxville, for his academic achievements including a 4.46 GPA and recognition as a National Merit Finalist. The Tennessee General Assembly passed this resolution to commend Magee's accomplishments - such as serving as National Honor Society chapter president and earning awards like the Leonard Bernstein Award - and extend best wishes for his future studies in neuroscience and radiology. Signed by the Governor on May 5, 2025, the resolution has no legal effect but serves as a formal expression of recognition for Magee's educational excellence. It directly affects Magee by publicly acknowledging his achievements, though it does not create or change any policy.

Maddy summarySJR 468 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Bryan Merritt upon his retirement from the Tennessee State Employees Association (TSEA). It recognizes his 24-year career with TSEA, including his service as board president (2015-2018) and his advocacy for state employees across multiple leadership roles. This resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a symbolic tribute expressing the Assembly’s appreciation for Merritt’s dedication to public service.