Sen. Jack Johnson

Maddy summarySB 2199, the "Regulatory Freedom Act of 2026," requires Tennessee state agencies to create and publish fiscal impact statements for new or amended rules that could negatively affect businesses, industries, or trade associations. Agencies must notify affected groups 45 days before public hearings, include their feedback in the fiscal statement (based on actual compliance costs, not speculation), and submit annual reports detailing all such statements by January 31 each year. If a rule's fiscal impact exceeds $750,000 over five years (or one year for emergency rules), the agency must notify the governor and legislative leaders. This bill directly affects state agencies drafting regulations and the businesses or industries subject to those rules.

Maddy summarySB 2247 increases the maximum number of education freedom scholarships available to eligible K-12 students in Tennessee from 25,000 to 40,000 for the 2026-2027 school year. It also requires the governor to elect Tennessee's participation in the federal education tax credit program established by "The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act" by December 31, 2026, and to comply with all future requirements to maintain that participation. The bill directly affects students qualifying for these state-funded scholarships, which cover education expenses at participating schools. Key provisions include raising the scholarship cap and mandating state-level compliance with the federal tax credit program. These changes aim to expand access to education choice while aligning with federal program requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1866 requires Tennessee chancery courts to appoint the Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance as receiver or conservator for defendants found to have violated the Tennessee Securities Act of 1980, upon the Commissioner's request. This directly affects defendants in securities violation cases and streamlines oversight by the Commerce Department. The bill also updates related provisions, including clarifying statutes of limitations for securities claims and modifying procedures for expunging customer dispute records from industry databases. These changes aim to strengthen enforcement and administrative processes under the department's jurisdiction.

Maddy summarySB 1884 amends Tennessee's Drycleaner's Environmental Response Act to clarify definitions and update the drycleaner environmental response fund program. It defines "recently abandoned" facilities (closed within 180 days) and expands "registered facility" to include abandoned sites, ensuring these qualify for fund access. The bill requires annual registration for all drycleaning facilities and wholesale distributors (including recently abandoned sites) to maintain eligibility for fund support covering cleanup costs. Key provisions include standardizing fund use for remediation, establishing site prioritization based on health/environmental risk, and requiring ongoing registration even after operations cease.

Maddy summarySB 1784 amends Tennessee law to extend the timeframe for scheduling foundation inspections of one- or two-family residential buildings from one to two working days after a request is made. This change directly affects property owners, contractors, and building inspectors who coordinate these mandatory structural checks. The bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 68-120-101(f)(1)(C), to update the inspection deadline without altering the inspection requirements themselves. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2026, providing more time for scheduling these routine building inspections.

Maddy summarySB 1871 authorizes the commissioner of general services to appoint directors and staff of law enforcement training academies under their supervision as law enforcement officers, requiring compliance with existing officer standards. It also permits the Department of General Services to operate sales facilities at these academies, selling items like food, equipment, and promotional goods to fund academy operations. All fees collected from these sales must be deposited into a dedicated fund exclusively for academy maintenance, administration, and enhancements. The bill updates state law to establish these new revenue mechanisms and appointment authorities for training academies.

Maddy summarySB 1588 creates a security zone around Tennessee's state capitol grounds and surrounding government buildings (including the capitol, legislative offices, and court buildings). It requires the Commissioner of Safety to ensure adequate law enforcement staffing within this zone to protect state officials, employees, and the public. The bill mandates that assigned officers have specific training on protest laws and crowd management, and grants them concurrent law enforcement authority with local police. The measure takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution honors the memory of William Kenneth Jorgensen, a retired public safety official from Williamson County who served for 35 years in various roles including Public Safety Director. The bill formally recognizes his contributions to his community and family, noting his career as a volunteer firefighter and his dedication to public service. It directs the state to present a copy of the resolution to his family as a gesture of sympathy and respect. The document does not create new laws or alter government operations but serves as a commemorative tribute to his life and legacy.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution honors Diane Giddens on her retirement after thirty-eight years of public service in Williamson County. It recognizes her long career as Chief of Staff to the county mayor and her extensive community involvement in various local organizations. The document formally acknowledges her professional achievements and personal contributions without altering any laws or policies.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 1203 is a commemorative measure that honors Charles Edward Bottens on the occasion of his 100th birthday. The resolution recognizes his life achievements, including his service in the U.S. Army during World War II, his career as a truck driver and business owner, and his long-term volunteer work at Cape Coral Hospital. It formally congratulates him on this milestone and expresses the legislature's best wishes for his future.