Sen. Tom Hatcher

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution honoring the memory of Dustin Matthew Pedigo, a corrections officer from Rockwood who passed away. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions to the Tennessee Department of Correction and his dedication to his family and community. It expresses the General Assembly's sympathy to Pedigo's family and requests that a copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation to his family. This type of commemorative measure does not change laws or policies but serves to recognize an individual's life and service.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally recognizes and honors Lillian Rose for her outstanding service as a legislative intern for Senator Tom Hatcher during the 2026 session. The resolution highlights her academic achievements at Tennessee State University, her various community service roles, and her exemplary performance in supporting the legislative process. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a commemorative document to acknowledge her contributions and extend well wishes for her future endeavors.

Maddy summarySB 2003 requires all Tennessee safety rest areas with public restrooms to provide at least one family restroom by 2028. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) must fund and build these facilities using existing resources, without new taxes. TDOT must submit a construction schedule by July 2026 and complete at least one family restroom at a rest stop by July 2028. This directly affects travelers, especially families with young children or caregivers, by improving restroom accessibility at highway rest stops. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 54-21-102 and 4-3-2316.

Maddy summarySB 2267 clarifies that the four trustees responsible for managing Tennessee's "other post-employment benefits" (like certain retirement programs) may appoint a designee to act on their behalf when they are absent. The bill amends Tennessee law to explicitly state that each of these trustees - specifically the finance commissioner, Senate finance committee chair, House finance committee chair, and retirement system board chair - can appoint a representative. This change streamlines administrative procedures for these trustee positions without altering benefit programs or affecting citizens directly. It is a procedural amendment focused solely on governance structure.

Maddy summarySB 1845 requires people ordered to use an ignition interlock device (for DUI offenses) to provide the court clerk with documentation proving they qualify for financial assistance from specific state or federal programs on the date they were ordered to use the device. This applies directly to individuals facing financial barriers to accessing ignition interlock services. The bill adds a mechanism where the state treasurer must work with agencies to verify eligibility through memoranda of understanding, and providers must submit this documentation to the state treasurer. It does not change eligibility criteria but streamlines verification for the electronic monitoring indigency fund.

Maddy summarySJR 703 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Jennifer Wackerhagen for her 25 years of service with United Way of Blount County. It recognizes her role as President and CEO, her leadership in raising over $50 million for community services, and her broader community contributions. The resolution formally commends her work through the Tennessee General Assembly but does not create any new laws, funding, or policy changes. It is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation with no direct policy impact.

Maddy summarySJR 808 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell upon his retirement after 32 years of public service, including four terms as mayor (2010-2026). It recognizes his financial management achievements (reducing county debt from $238M to $87M) and community contributions like infrastructure projects and emergency medical programs. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, expressing the General Assembly’s appreciation without creating new laws or obligations. It was unanimously passed by both chambers and signed into formal recognition.

Maddy summarySJR 807 is a resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Gaye Hasty for her 42 years of public service in Blount County, including her role as Blount County Clerk since 2016. The resolution commends her dedication, work ethic, and service across multiple county departments, and extends well-wishes for her retirement on August 31, 2026. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect policy.

Maddy summaryTennessee's Senate Joint Resolution 617 urges the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 2350/S. 1137, which would permit states to use cell-phone jamming systems in prisons. Currently, federal law bans states from deploying such technology to block contraband phones used by inmates for illegal activities like drug trafficking and violence coordination. The resolution highlights that 25,840 contraband phones were found in state prisons in a single year, and jamming systems would specifically avoid disrupting emergency 911 calls. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change laws but formally requests congressional action to address this safety concern.

Maddy summarySJR 838 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Polk County High School football coach Derrick Davis for his 23-year career (2000-2018, 2022-2025), recognizing his 143-113 win-loss record, five consecutive region titles (2009-2013), and development of 25 All-State players. It formally commends his contributions to Tennessee high school football and the "growth and maturation of hundreds of young men." As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect beyond symbolic recognition and was unanimously adopted by both Tennessee Senate and House in March 2026.