Sen. Steve Southerland

Maddy summarySB 986 requires Tennessee counties to receive 50% of the recordation taxes collected from real property transfers (like home sales) after July 1, 2025. It directly affects counties where property transfers occur, as they will receive a recurring share of the tax revenue collected from those transactions. The bill amends tax law to mandate that the state returns this 50% share to each county based on the total tax amount the county initially remitted to the state. This change applies only to property transfers happening on or after the effective date, altering how real estate transfer tax funds are distributed.

Maddy summarySB 983 removes an annual reporting requirement for Tennessee's Public Utility Commission (PUC). Specifically, it deletes language mandating that the PUC submit an annual report to the state legislature describing the competitive nature of the telecommunications market. This change affects only the PUC's administrative duties, not utility operations or consumer regulations. The bill is procedural, eliminating a bureaucratic task without altering telecom market rules or creating new policies.

Maddy summarySB 1049 would require Tennessee insurance companies to provide 45 days' notice before increasing premiums for customers with automatic bank payments, instead of the current 30 days. This change directly affects policyholders who pay via bank draft or preauthorized check. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 56-7-118 to extend the notice period from 30 to 45 days. It is currently pending in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee after passing initial readings in February 2025. The bill focuses solely on adjusting the notice timeline for premium increases, without altering other insurance regulations.

Maddy summarySB 1124 requires solar energy companies to provide written proof that a local utility offers net metering credits before selling or installing a system. This affects solar companies and their customers, mandating two specific documents: a description of the utility's net metering program (including fees and rates) and a notarized verification from the utility. Violating this requirement would be treated as an unfair or deceptive business practice under Tennessee's Consumer Protection Act. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, applying to all new or modified agreements after that date.

Maddy summarySB 979 creates a Class B misdemeanor offense for intentionally approaching within 25 feet of a first responder (including police, firefighters, EMTs, or corrections officers) during official duties after being verbally warned not to, when the intent is to impede their work, threaten them, or cause emotional distress. The law directly affects individuals who harass first responders in these specific circumstances while they are performing their duties. Key provisions require a prior verbal warning, define "harass" as causing substantial emotional distress with no legitimate purpose, and specify the three prohibited intents. This bill aims to protect first responders from disruptive or threatening behavior during emergency operations.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 971 would exempt certain county jail or workhouse prisoners on work release from wearing electronic monitoring devices. Specifically, it applies to individuals convicted of non-violent crimes who are determined by the sheriff to pose a low risk to public safety and for escape. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 41, Chapter 2, to remove the current requirement for electronic monitoring under these conditions. This change would directly affect eligible inmates in Tennessee county correctional facilities participating in work release programs.

Maddy summarySB 987 exempts vehicles displaying specific military or disabled veteran license plates from paying airport parking fees at Tennessee airports. It directly affects owners of vehicles with qualifying plates, including those displaying Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, Disabled Veteran, or similar military recognition plates, as defined in Tennessee law. The bill requires airports (non-federal authorities) to waive parking fees for these vehicles when operated by the owner/lessee or for transporting a disabled veteran. This change applies statewide to all Tennessee airports covered under the amended sections of Title 42. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 985 establishes the Tennessee Bullion Depository Act, creating a legal framework for depositories to hold gold and silver bullion. It makes gold and silver coins legal tender for all debts (public and private) at their spot price, requires the state to accept them for tax payments, and mandates that the state purchase such coins at spot price plus verification costs. The bill also requires the state to store accepted coins in depositories and attribute their value to revenue reserves, while allowing private individuals and businesses to sell labeled gold/silver coins compliant with state laws. This directly affects Tennessee residents, businesses, and state tax systems by expanding acceptable payment methods for debts and taxes.

Maddy summarySB 972 requires Tennessee school districts and public charter schools to install video surveillance in special education classrooms *only when a parent requests it and provides written consent*. The cameras must continuously monitor students, teachers, and staff during special education services in classrooms where special education accounts for at least half of the instructional time. Footage can only be viewed by parents or under privacy laws like FERPA, and schools must adopt policies governing how long recordings are kept. The law applies starting the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summarySB 974 shortens the deadline for Tennessee's commissioner of financial institutions to submit the annual report to the governor, changing it from 60 days to 45 days after the end of the calendar year. This procedural change affects only the state's financial regulatory reporting process, specifically the commissioner's timeline. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 45, Section 45-1-119(a), without altering financial regulations or impacting banks or the public. It is a technical adjustment to administrative timing requirements.