Sen. Steve Southerland

Maddy summarySB 2596 exempts utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) used for agricultural purposes from a 45 mph speed limit restriction on certain state highways and county roads. The bill amends Tennessee law to clarify that this exemption applies only when UTVs are operated for farming activities, while maintaining all other existing restrictions on UTV operation (such as where they may be driven). This change directly affects farmers and agricultural businesses that use UTVs for work on public roads. The policy update removes a specific speed limit barrier for farm-related UTV use without altering other operational rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally recognizes and commends Chloee Stokely, a student from Cocke County High School, for her achievement as runner-up in the Creed contest at the East Tennessee regional FFA competition. The resolution honors her participation in the Future Farmers of America organization, which promotes agricultural education and leadership among high school students. It acknowledges her advancement to the state finals and expresses well wishes for her continued success at the Tennessee State FFA Convention. The document serves as an official record of recognition rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution 930 officially recognizes Silas Poland, a student at Cocke County High School, for winning the East Tennessee FFA Star Greenhand award. The resolution honors his achievement in agricultural education and acknowledges his participation in the Future Farmers of America organization, which promotes leadership and career success among high school agriculture students. The document serves as a formal commendation of his accomplishment and wishes him success as he advances to compete at the Tennessee State FFA Convention.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution honors Herbert "Buddy" Mayes for his induction into the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tennessee Hall of Fame. The bill formally recognizes his 48 years of service to the Boys & Girls Club of Morristown, where he held leadership roles and helped establish major fundraising events. It also acknowledges his broader community contributions through various boards and organizations, as well as his family legacy in the funeral service profession. The resolution is a commemorative measure that does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors James Webb, a seventh-grade student at Newport Grammar School, for winning first place in the National Geographic Bee. It formally recognizes his academic achievement in geography and expresses congratulations on his success in the competition. The resolution serves as a public acknowledgment of his accomplishment rather than creating new laws or changing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors Rustin Jones, an eighth-grade social studies teacher and soccer coach at Greeneville Middle School in Tennessee, for receiving the 2026 Social Studies School Service Civil Rights/Civil Liberties Excellence in Teaching Award. The resolution formally recognizes his dedication to teaching students about civil rights and civil liberties, his role in inspiring informed civic action, and his overall commitment to quality education. The document serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a policy change, with no new laws or regulations being enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally recognizes Nate Mason, a student from Cocke County High School, for winning the East Tennessee FFA Star in Agriscience award. The resolution honors his achievement in agricultural education and acknowledges his participation in the Future Farmers of America organization, which promotes leadership and career development among high school agriculture students. The document serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment and does not create new laws, change policies, or allocate funding. It is intended to be presented to Nate Mason as a formal commendation of his academic and agricultural accomplishments.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 852), not a policy bill. It formally honors Bobby Broyles for his induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame, recognizing his decades-long coaching career at Chuckey-Doak High School. The resolution commemorates his 542 career wins across boys' and girls' basketball, his role in establishing the school's athletic programs, and his lasting impact on Tennessee high school sports. It has no binding effect or policy changes, serving solely as a symbolic tribute.

Maddy summarySJR 854 is a symbolic resolution honoring Luke Stuart, a senior defensive end at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School in Sevier County, Tennessee, for being named to the All-County football team in 2025. It recognizes his athletic achievements during the season, including 72 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and his selection as Region 1-3A Lineman of the Year. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect and serves solely to publicly praise his accomplishments as a student-athlete. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Tennessee Senate on March 5, 2026.

Maddy summarySJR 855 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Craig Huskey, a senior at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School in Sevier County, for being named to the All-County football team. It recognizes his athletic achievements, including being named Region 1-3A Co-Defensive Player of the Year and earning All-State honors from two major sports organizations. The resolution serves as a formal commendation from the Tennessee General Assembly with no policy or financial impact, solely celebrating his accomplishments as a student-athlete.