Sen. Steve Southerland

Maddy summarySB 2609 redirects all state sales tax revenue from sales of recreational vessels (including sailboats and non-motorized boats), recreational vessel accessories (like trailers and life jackets), and wildlife-related outdoor goods (such as fishing rods, hunting gear, and ammunition) to the wildlife resources fund starting July 1, 2026. This revenue will specifically fund the operational expenses of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The bill explicitly excludes existing tax allocations for education (under 1992 law) and the 2002 tax rate increase from this redirection, maintaining those funds as currently designated.

Maddy summarySB 2598 expands Tennessee's education freedom scholarship program to allow students enrolled in public schools outside their designated district (out-of-district public schools) to receive state-funded scholarships, previously limited to private school enrollment. The bill requires that scholarship recipients in out-of-district public schools take the same standardized tests as public school students and that schools report test results to the state, broken down by grade, income, and other demographic factors. Scholarship amounts for out-of-district public schools cover the full tuition and fees charged by those schools. This change, effective July 2026, aims to broaden school choice options while maintaining testing and reporting requirements for accountability.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally commends Audrey Fairman for her exemplary service as a legislative intern for Senator Steve Southerland during the 2026 session. The resolution recognizes her contributions to bill research, constituent work, and office duties while highlighting her academic achievements and community involvement. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of her performance and extends good wishes for her future endeavors.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors Tyrese Stovall, a men's basketball player at Walters State Community College, for being named the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association Co-Freshman of the Year. It formally recognizes his athletic achievements during the 2025-2026 season, including his consistent performance and standout game against Volunteer State. The resolution does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of his accomplishments.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a joint resolution that formally congratulates the Walters State Community College men's basketball team for winning the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association/Region 7 Championship. The resolution recognizes the team's achievements, including their 68-65 victory over Columbia State, their 30-1 season record, and their advancement to the NJCAA Division I tournament for the tenth time in school history. It also highlights individual player performances, particularly Taquez Butler as the tournament MVP, and extends official appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly for the team's success.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution honors Brian Carter, a basketball player at Walters State Community College, for being named to the All-TCCAA Second Team. The bill formally recognizes his athletic achievements, including leading the nation in field goal percentage and averaging 12.3 points per game, while praising his character as a student athlete. It serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than creating any new laws or policy changes, and the resolution will be presented to Carter as a formal commendation.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors Terryauna Griffin, a basketball player at Walters State Community College, for her achievements as the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association Player of the Year. The resolution recognizes her outstanding 2025-2026 season, during which she led the conference in scoring with an average of 21.7 points per game and set a school record with over 1,100 career points. The measure formally congratulates Griffin on her athletic accomplishments and wishes her continued success, serving as a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than establishing new policy or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that honors Jerry Nichols, the men's basketball coach at Walters State, for being named Tennessee Community College Athletic Association Coach of the Year for the 2025-2026 season. The resolution recognizes his achievements, including leading his team to a 27-1 record, winning the TCCAA regular season title, and earning a berth in the national championship tournament. It formally congratulates Coach Nichols on his accomplishment and requests that a copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation to him. The bill does not create new laws or change existing policies; it serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of his coaching success.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors Taquez Butler, a basketball player from Walters State Community College, for being named to the All-TCCAA First Team. It formally recognizes his athletic achievements, including averaging 11.7 points and 5 assists per game while leading the conference in assists. The resolution serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of his performance and character as a student athlete. No new laws or policies are created; the bill simply expresses official appreciation for his accomplishments.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution honors Da'Mori Lytch, a men's basketball player at Walters State Community College, for being named the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association Player of the Year. The resolution formally recognizes his outstanding performance during the 2025-2026 season, highlighting his statistical achievements and leadership on the court. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of his accomplishments. The document will be presented to Lytch as a formal commendation from the Tennessee state legislature.