Sen. Steve Southerland

Maddy summarySB 975 deletes an outdated section (TCA 49-6-308) from Tennessee's education code that referenced a discontinued parent-teacher engagement pilot program. The program, which ended after the 2020-2021 school year, is no longer active, so this bill removes the obsolete reference from state law. The change has no direct impact on schools, parents, or students, as the program was already terminated. It serves only as a procedural cleanup of the state code, with no new requirements or funding added. The bill requires no action from school districts or families.

Maddy summarySB 269, the "Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act," requires producers of packaging materials to join a producer responsibility organization (PRO) that manages recycling, reuse, and composting programs for covered packaging. It directly affects packaging manufacturers and distributors (excluding specific exemptions like medical or long-term storage packaging) by mandating their financial and operational involvement in waste diversion systems. Key provisions establish a statewide PRO to fund local recycling infrastructure, divert packaging waste from landfills, and recover materials for a circular economy - creating jobs while requiring producers to cover costs for collection and processing. The bill excludes certain packaging types (e.g., medical products, beverage containers under future deposit systems) and defines "covered services" to include curbside collection and drop-off centers for households, schools, and small nonprofits.

Maddy summarySB 1111 requires Tennessee's Aeronautics Commission to study how other states regulate drone operations over private property. The bill mandates this specific research as a new duty for the Commission under state law. It does not create new restrictions or penalties for drone use but directs the Commission to examine existing rules in other states. The study could inform future policy decisions, but the bill itself only establishes this research requirement with no immediate changes to drone laws. The Commission, not drone operators or property owners, is the direct subject of this mandate.

Maddy summarySB 2603 would exempt the retail sale of food and food ingredients from Tennessee's sales tax when purchased by residents aged 65 or older who live in Tennessee. This policy change directly affects senior citizens who shop for groceries and cooking ingredients at retail stores. The bill amends state tax code to add this exemption, covering standard grocery items but not prepared meals (as defined under existing law). The exemption would take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Cindy Propst, a Greeneville High School teacher, for being named Greeneville City Schools' Teacher of the Year for Grades 9-12. It formally recognizes her dedication to education, her impact on students, and her professional excellence through a ceremonial resolution from Tennessee's General Assembly. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a public commendation. It passed unanimously in both chambers and is now awaiting Governor action.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 677), not a bill with policy changes. It formally honors Kendall Warner, a nursing faculty member at Walters State Community College, for receiving the Nursing Faculty Clinical Excellence Award. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's commendation of her dedication to nursing education and patient care, as recognized by her peers and college. It does not change any laws, affect regulations, or provide funding - its sole purpose is symbolic recognition.

Maddy summarySJR 682 is a commemorative resolution honoring Isaac Nuckols, a student at Unicoi County High School, for being named to the All-Region 1-3A Academic Team. It formally recognizes his academic achievements and dedication as a student-athlete, expressing the General Assembly's admiration. As a ceremonial resolution (not a law), it has no binding effect or policy changes - it simply serves to publicly commend Nuckols' accomplishments. The resolution passed unanimously in both chambers and is now awaiting the Governor's signature.

Maddy summarySJR 681 is a symbolic resolution honoring Nathan Williams, a student at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School, for being named to the All-Region 1-3A Academic Team. It formally commends his academic and athletic achievements through a resolution passed unanimously by both the Tennessee Senate and House. The resolution, which will be presented to Williams as a tribute, does not create new laws or policies but serves as a public expression of recognition from the General Assembly. It directly affects Williams and his school community by celebrating his dual accomplishments in academics and sports.

Maddy summarySJR 683 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Colonel (Retired) Robert Earl "Bob" Nelson, a Tennessee native and decorated military veteran who served from 1974 to 2012 with deployments in Desert Shield/Storm and Iraq/Afghanistan. It commemorates his military service, community involvement, and family life, expressing condolences to his wife, children, and grandchildren. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, with no provisions affecting laws or people. It passed unanimously in both chambers and was transmitted to the governor for formal acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 678), not a bill with policy changes. It formally honors Sheila Webber for winning the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce Friendship Award in December 2025. The resolution recognizes her community service, leadership as a bank branch manager, and volunteer work supporting nonprofits and local events. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect and directly affects no individuals or policies.