Sen. Steve Southerland

Maddy summarySB 978 updates Tennessee law by changing all references from "adult day care" to "adult day services" across multiple code sections, including those governing healthcare, social services, and licensing. This technical correction affects existing laws in Titles 4, 39, 52, 68, and 71 of the Tennessee Code Annotated, which cover areas like adult care facilities and service regulations. The bill makes no substantive policy changes - only standardizes terminology in current statutes. It directly affects agencies, providers, and officials operating under these codes, but does not alter eligibility, funding, or service requirements. The change is purely linguistic, ensuring consistent terminology in state law.

Maddy summarySJR 230 is a Tennessee legislative resolution honoring David Painter for setting a new career pinfalls record (32,231) at Union Commonwealth University. The resolution recognizes his five-year bowling career (2020-2025) and his achievement of breaking the school record at the Hoosier Classic tournament, a national event featuring over 70 teams. This commemorative resolution expresses legislative support for Painter's accomplishments but does not create any new laws or policies. It was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor on April 2, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors Kara Shults for receiving Tennessee's Governor's Volunteer Stars Award, recognizing her community service after Hurricane Helene. It specifically credits her work with the local fire department, community events, and Cosby High School FFA. The resolution formally congratulates her as an exemplary volunteer embodying Tennessee's "Volunteer State" spirit. (Note: As a recognition resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on laws or regulations.)

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 234) honoring Randi Delong, a Walters State Community College softball player. It recognizes her being named NJCAA Softball Player of the Week (February 7-8, 2025) and TCCAA Softball Player of the Week (February 25, 2025) for her outstanding performance, including eight hits, four home runs, and nine RBIs in a four-game series. The resolution formally congratulates her on her achievements and wishes her continued success. As a symbolic gesture with no policy changes, it does not affect any laws, regulations, or individuals beyond expressing legislative recognition.

Maddy summarySJR 231 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Dr. Erika Stevens, a Spanish professor at Walters State Community College, for receiving the Distance Learning Teaching Award for Higher Education from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. It formally congratulates her on this professional achievement and recognizes her work developing an online Spanish certificate program. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses legislative appreciation through a symbolic gesture. It was signed by both legislative chambers and the governor, making it an official but non-binding tribute. This resolution directly affects only Dr. Stevens as a personal honor, with no broader legislative or financial consequences.

Maddy summarySJR 232 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Michelle Lane, a Cosby High School teacher and business owner, for receiving Tennessee's Governor's Volunteer Stars Award. It recognizes her community service, including coordinating flood relief efforts and transforming her coffee shop into a volunteer hub. The resolution specifically celebrates her dedication to helping hundreds of residents and her embodiment of Tennessee's "Volunteer State" spirit. As a symbolic gesture with no policy changes, it does not affect laws or regulations but formally congratulates Lane through official legislative recognition.

Maddy summarySB 968 transfers administrative oversight of Tennessee's State Energy Policy Council from the council itself to the Departments of Economic and Community Development and Environment and Conservation. It requires the council to meet quarterly, submit an initial report by July 2026 detailing energy source goals, analysis of strengths/weaknesses, and infrastructure assessments, and distribute reports to relevant legislative committees and the public online. The bill directly affects the council's operations and the two departments responsible for managing its work, without changing energy policy substance.

Maddy summarySJR 196 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing Elena Pate, a teacher at Unicoi County Middle School, for being named the 2024-2025 Kiwanis Club Teacher of the Year. It expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's honor and congratulations for her work in education, including her roles in 4-H programs, BB shooting, archery, and student leadership initiatives. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely symbolic recognition of her contributions to students and the school community. It was unanimously passed by both legislative chambers and signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJR 197) formally recognizes Tamara Yelton, a U.S. and world history teacher at Unicoi County High School, for being named the 2024-2025 Kiwanis Club Teacher of the Year by the Kiwanis Club of Erwin. It does not create new policies or affect any laws, programs, or individuals beyond this symbolic honor. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's commendation of her 9-year teaching career, dedication to students, and community involvement. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding effect or practical impact on education policy or funding.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SJR 194) honoring Ken Rea's retirement after 39 years of service with the First Tennessee Development District. It specifically recognizes his role as deputy director for economic and community development, highlighting his work establishing the department and leading projects like extending water lines to 4,000 citizens and improving infrastructure at Greene County's Exit 23. The resolution formally expresses the General Assembly's "heartfelt wishes" for his retirement and acknowledges his community impact. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect policy.