Sen. Steve Southerland

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 421) is a ceremonial resolution honoring Weston Brown, a student from West Greene High School, for being elected Tennessee FFA state president for 2025-2026. It recognizes his leadership in agriculture through his fifth-generation family farm, 10+ years of FFA involvement, and preparation for his role as state president. The resolution was unanimously passed by both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor on May 2, 2025. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect beyond formal recognition.

Maddy summarySJR 461 is a symbolic joint resolution commending Cleveland Buchanan Wilson for his exemplary service as a legislative intern for Senator Steve Southerland during the 2025 legislative session. The resolution recognizes his dedication to the legislative process, academic achievements (including being on the Dean's List at Tennessee State University), and personal qualities like generosity. It does not create any new laws or policy changes - it is purely a formal expression of appreciation. The resolution was signed by both chambers and the Governor on May 1, 2025, as a ceremonial tribute.

Maddy summarySB 980 requires that the description of real property in a deed of transfer (like a home sale) must be prepared by a registered land surveyor if the property has never been described in a previously recorded document. This applies to most private property transactions but does not affect deeds prepared by government agencies. The law ensures property boundaries are accurately established by qualified professionals before ownership changes. It amends Tennessee property law to standardize survey requirements for new property descriptions. The bill became effective April 11, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 970 allows municipal energy authorities to take over regulatory authority for water and wastewater systems when they acquire such systems from a municipality. It directly affects these authorities by enabling them to adopt the existing regulatory rules, oversight, and responsibilities that applied to the system before the transfer. The bill requires authorities to follow the same ordinances and policies that were in effect prior to the transfer, while also permitting later changes to those rules. This amendment updates Tennessee Code (Titles 5, 6, 7, and 68) to formalize this process.

Maddy summarySJR 419 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Jerry Lee Byrd of Unicoi, Tennessee, for being named the 2024 Master Logger of the Year by the Tennessee Forestry Association. It formally recognizes his 20+ years operating Jerry Lee Byrd Logging, LLC, a fifth-generation family business, and his contributions to forestry in East Tennessee. The resolution has no policy impact or legal effect - it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation with no direct effect on citizens, businesses, or state law. It was passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor on April 24, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 369 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Mattie Cook, a Sevier County School System custodian who retired after 50 years of service. It formally recognizes her dedication to the school system, community, and family through a resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly. The resolution expresses the legislature's "heartfelt wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement" and is a symbolic gesture without any policy or legal effect. (This is a procedural resolution, not a bill with substantive policy changes.)

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 367 is a commemorative resolution honoring Robert "Buz" Lacy for his induction into the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tennessee Hall of Fame. It recognizes his decades of service as a board member, president, and fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Morristown, including roles like chairing annual events and serving on committees. The resolution also acknowledges his broader community leadership, such as chairing TCAT Morristown and the Rotary Club, and his dedication to youth empowerment. As a symbolic gesture, it expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's gratitude for his lifelong commitment to supporting youth development in the state.

Maddy summarySJR 370 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Sonya Ricker for 25 years of service with the Hamblen County Soil Conservation District. It directly recognizes her contributions to land and natural resource conservation in Hamblen County, Tennessee. The resolution has no policy provisions or legal effect - it simply expresses the General Assembly's appreciation through formal commendation. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or impact any regulations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 371) honoring Kathy Jones-Terry upon her retirement as Hamblen County Chancery and Probate Court Clerk and Master. It recognizes her 29 years of service since 1995, including modernizing court operations with digital systems and her family's legacy in the role. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses the General Assembly's appreciation for her public service. It was formally adopted by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor in April 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 368) is a ceremonial honor recognizing Dr. Nicole Cardwell-Hampton, a Walters State Community College staff member, for being named the 2025 Tennessee Board of Regents Staff Member of the Year. It formally commends her work managing youth programs like summer camps (including robotics and medical training), the Talented and Gifted Program, and Kids College, which serve local students. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses legislative appreciation for her professional achievements and community service. It was signed by the Governor on April 24, 2025, and is now official.