Sen. Steve Southerland

Maddy summaryThis bill rewrites the city charter for Morristown, Tennessee, replacing its existing governing rules with a new set of provisions. The new charter establishes a city council composed of a mayor and six council members elected by local voters. It also grants the city broad powers to own property, manage public utilities like water and electricity, and operate public school facilities. The legislation is specific to Morristown and requires local approval before it can take effect.

Maddy summaryThis law expands the Tennessee sex offender registry to include more juvenile offenders who commit rape of a child. Previously, a juvenile had to be at least four years older than the victim to be required to register, but now judges can order registration even if the age gap is smaller. This change applies to cases where the judge decides, based on the specific facts of the case, that the juvenile poses a risk and should be listed on the registry. The law affects judges who make these determinations and the juveniles whose delinquent acts are evaluated under the new rules. It takes effect on July 1, 2024, for acts committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Tennessee law to reduce the state funding limit for school nurses from $3,000 to $750 per student. The change directly affects school districts that rely on state allocations to hire or support nursing staff. By lowering the maximum allowable funding amount, the legislation reduces the financial resources available for school health services. The act amends specific sections of the state code to reflect this new cap and takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local governments in Tennessee to issue special event licenses for alcohol sales even if they do not currently permit on-premise drinking. Under the new rule, a jurisdiction can approve a specific event by having its executive officer or legislative chair sign off on it. This change enables communities to host private parties or gatherings with alcohol without needing a general license to sell drinks on the premises. The law applies to any area that has not previously approved on-premise alcohol sales through a standard permit.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals seeking a license to sell title insurance in Tennessee to complete a pre-licensing course of at least 30 hours. The law amends state statutes to make this education a mandatory condition for obtaining a title insurance producer license. By setting this minimum training requirement, the bill aims to ensure that title insurance agents and brokers receive standardized instruction before they begin working.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution honors Connie Ball for receiving the 2024 Good Scout Award from the Great Smoky Mountain Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The measure formally acknowledges his long-standing community leadership in Cocke County, including his forty years as a school educator, fourteen years as mayor of Newport, and his founding roles in local organizations like the Safe Harbor Children's Advocacy Center. By passing this joint resolution, the Tennessee General Assembly expresses official appreciation for his civic contributions and wishes him well in his future endeavors.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution honors Annette Watts, the girls' basketball coach at Greeneville High School, for being named The Greeneville Sun's Girls' Basketball Coach of the Year. The document recognizes her leadership in guiding her team to a state tournament berth despite losing several key players and starting the season with a difficult record. It highlights her success in leading the Lady Devils to a regional title and a state berth through improved performance and strategic coaching. The resolution serves as a formal tribute to her achievements and does not alter any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally honors Brocke Winstead, a senior at West Greene High School, for being named to the All-County boys' basketball team. The resolution recognizes his specific achievements during the 2023-2024 season, including scoring 353 points and recording 77 rebounds, 46 assists, and 14 steals. It expresses the legislature's appreciation for his performance and wishes him continued success, but it does not create any new laws or change existing policies. The document serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a functional piece of legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors Hailey Brooks, a student athlete from South Greene High School, for her selection to the All-County girls' basketball team. The resolution acknowledges her specific achievements during the 2023-2024 season, including leading her team in scoring and recording significant rebounds and assists. It formally congratulates her on this accomplishment and wishes her continued success.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally honors Kennedy Brown, a student at Chuckey-Doak High School, for being named to the All-County girls' basketball team. The resolution recognizes her specific athletic achievements during the 2023-2024 season, including her scoring, rebounding, and defensive statistics. It expresses the General Assembly's appreciation for her performance and wishes her continued success. The document serves as an official commendation rather than a law that changes policy or affects public programs.