Sen. Steve Southerland

Maddy summarySJR 77 is a commemorative resolution honoring Jason Lowe upon his retirement as head baseball coach at North Greene High School in Tennessee. It recognizes his 8-year tenure (135-82 record), two state tournament appearances, and 17-year coaching career impacting students. The resolution formally commends his contributions to athletics and education, extending "heartfelt wishes for every continued success." As a symbolic gesture with no policy changes, it directly affects Coach Lowe and the North Greene High School community.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 78 is a ceremonial resolution that formally congratulates the Greene County Fair and its board, staff, and volunteers for being named the 2024 Champion of Champions Fair by the Tennessee Association of Fairs. The resolution recognizes the fair's history of winning this top honor (previously awarded in 1963, 1988, and 2005) and highlights its 2024 achievements, including 32,000 attendees, 3,000 exhibits, and 8,000 volunteer hours dedicated to agricultural displays and community events. This non-binding resolution serves as a symbolic tribute from the Tennessee General Assembly to the fair's contributions to local culture and volunteerism.

Maddy summarySJR 139 is a ceremonial resolution formally recognizing Nancy Harmon's retirement after 22 years as Human Resources Manager at Heritage Center. It honors her career spanning nearly four decades, including roles at Anchor Brush Plant, Performance Food Group, and Life Care Center, highlighting her professionalism and community service. The resolution was unanimously adopted by Tennessee's Senate and House and signed by the Governor, expressing the General Assembly's appreciation. This is a symbolic gesture with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summarySJR 74 is a ceremonial resolution honoring David McLain upon his retirement as Greene County Schools Director. It formally recognizes his 28-year career in education, including roles as a teacher, coach, principal, and administrator, through a public commendation by the Tennessee General Assembly. The resolution has no policy impact or legal effect - it serves solely as a symbolic tribute. It was unanimously passed and signed by all legislative leadership and the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 71), not a policy bill. It formally congratulates Frank and Barbara Greene on their 60th wedding anniversary, recognizing their marriage as an example of commitment. The resolution, passed by Tennessee's Senate and House and signed by the Governor, expresses the General Assembly's admiration for their marriage and extends "warmest wishes for continued happiness." It has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic tribute to the couple.

Maddy summarySB 973 extends the review period for incomplete banking applications in Tennessee from 10 to 15 business days. It directly affects financial institutions seeking a certificate of authority to operate, giving the commissioner more time to return incomplete applications with specific feedback. The bill amends Tennessee Code Section 45-2-213 to change the required review timeframe for applications that don’t meet document requirements. This is a procedural adjustment to the application process, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summarySB 977 shortens the deadline for Tennessee's commissioner of financial institutions to submit an annual report to the governor. It reduces the reporting period from 60 days to 45 days after each calendar year ends. This change directly affects the commissioner's office by requiring them to complete this report 15 days faster each year. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 45, Section 45-1-119(a), with no other provisions or policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 984 enacts Tennessee's version of the "Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act," allowing property owners to transfer real estate to named beneficiaries automatically upon their death without probate. The bill creates a legal mechanism for a "transfer on death deed," which must be recorded before the owner's death and specifies the beneficiary, with the transfer taking effect only after the owner's passing. Property owners retain full control during their lifetime, can revoke the deed anytime before death by recording a new instrument, and the transfer does not affect creditors or the owner's rights to the property. This directly affects Tennessee residents who own real estate and wish to simplify estate transfers outside of court proceedings.

Maddy summarySB 976 requires the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to study the effects of selling smokeless nicotine products and other alternative nicotine products to people under 21. It also encourages the department to develop recommendations for reducing such sales and distribution. The bill amends Tennessee law to update the definition of "vapor products" to explicitly include smokeless nicotine products and other alternative nicotine products, broadening existing regulatory language. This change ensures the state's code covers a wider range of nicotine products when addressing youth access.

Maddy summarySB 969 changes Tennessee law to extend the annual reporting deadline for the Wildlife Resources Agency from January 1 to January 15 each year. The report must detail acreage closed to hunting/fishing (with reasons), acreage opened to compensate for closures, and new public lands added. This affects the agency's reporting schedule and the legislative committees that receive the report. The bill does not alter the report's content, only the submission timeline.