Sen. Ferrell Haile

Maddy summarySB 2156 establishes the "Tennessee Teacher Residency Program Act," creating a state-funded initiative to support residency programs where aspiring teachers complete a year of classroom training under mentor teachers. The program provides grants to cover up to $44,500 per teacher resident annually for program costs, stipends, and mentor support, with participating residents required to commit to teaching for three years in a Tennessee public school after licensure. Residency programs must include rigorous coursework, clinical apprenticeships, and evidence-based mentor training to meet grant eligibility. This program satisfies the clinical experience requirement for teacher licensure under existing Tennessee law.

Maddy summarySB 924 adds 10 new assistant district attorney general positions and 10 new criminal investigator positions in Tennessee judicial districts that include state correctional facilities. These roles are specifically designated for handling criminal cases related to offenses occurring within state prisons, including violations of specific prison-related laws. The bill requires prison staff to provide full access to evidence and cooperation for these prosecutors and investigators. The positions will be funded at specified pay levels and take effect on July 1, 2025, for districts including the first, ninth, twelfth, fifteenth, twentieth, twenty-second, twenty-fifth, twenty-ninth, thirtieth, and thirty-second judicial districts.

Maddy summarySB 907 would exempt certain high-cost prescription drugs from Tennessee's business tax on sales receipts. The bill specifically targets prescription medicines where the 30-day supply cost exceeds the Medicare Part D specialty tier threshold for 2025, as determined by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It also extends the tax exemption to services related to preparing, storing, handling, administering, educating patients about, and monitoring these exempted drugs. This change would apply to pharmacies and other entities selling these medications starting July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill would exempt infant formula, diapers, and baby wipes designed for infants and children from Tennessee's sales tax starting July 1, 2025. It directly affects parents or caregivers purchasing these essential baby items and retailers selling them. The key provision adds a specific tax exemption to Tennessee's sales tax code for these products, with "infant formula" defined as items meant to substitute human milk for infants. The exemption applies to both in-store and online retail purchases of qualifying items.

Maddy summarySB 249 requires Tennessee state parks to offer resident veterans the same discounts for activities, retail purchases, camping, and lodging as those provided to state employees. It also establishes a separate 50% year-round discount for camping and overnight cabin lodging for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability, contingent on providing documentation of disability and Tennessee residency. Veterans must present proof of veteran status and residency to qualify for the standard discounts, and additional documentation is required for the 50% disability discount. The bill amends Tennessee law and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 117 deletes outdated references to a one-time August 2020 sales tax holiday from Tennessee’s tax code (TCA Title 67, Chapter 6, Part 3). The bill affects no new policies or taxpayers, as it only removes obsolete language about a past event. It amends Section 67-6-393 by deleting subsection (f), which previously referenced the expired tax holiday. This is a purely administrative update with no new tax obligations or exemptions. The bill has no substantive policy impact and is solely intended to streamline the tax code.

Maddy summarySB 1236 removes Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) and Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCp) from the list of authorized hemp-derived cannabinoids under Tennessee law. It amends definitions to clarify that "Total THC" calculations exclude THCa (using a conversion factor) and explicitly prohibits products containing these substances. This bill directly affects hemp product manufacturers, retailers, and distributors who would need to reformulate or remove products containing THCa or THCp to comply. The legislation also requires state testing to verify cannabinoid profiles using post-decarboxylation methods to determine legal THC limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally recognizes Jeremiah James for earning the Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts of America. It directly affects only this individual by honoring his achievement and service to his community. The resolution highlights his leadership role as Senior Patrol Leader and his Eagle project, which involved fundraising and building a gaga ball pit for Shafer Middle School. This is a commemorative measure that does not create new laws or policy changes, but rather serves to acknowledge personal accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring Anna Armstrong Coile Durham, a lifelong resident of Gallatin, Tennessee, who passed away and is remembered for her contributions to mental health advocacy, education, and community service. The resolution formally acknowledges her achievements, including co-founding the Sumner County Mental Health Services Center, her dedication to mental health care accessibility, and her support of her husband's historical writing career. It expresses the legislature's condolences to her family and friends while celebrating her life of purpose and commitment to her community.

Maddy summarySB 1589 authorizes Tennessee’s Corrections Institute to establish certification requirements for corrections officers and inspect local correctional training academies serving jails and lock-ups. It changes how local facilities can avoid losing certification after inspections by requiring detailed plans of action for deficiencies, with strict time limits and safety safeguards. The bill also allows directors and full-time employees of the Corrections Institute to carry handguns while performing their duties. These provisions directly affect local correctional facilities, their staff, and training programs across Tennessee.