Sen. Rusty Crowe

Maddy summarySB 2654 deletes an outdated requirement that previously forced certain state agencies with motor vehicle fleets larger than 10 vehicles to create plans reducing petroleum use by January 1, 2015. The bill removes Section 4-22-101 from Tennessee Code Annotated Title 4, which contained this obsolete mandate. This change affects the legal code but has no current operational impact, as the requirement's deadline (2015) has long passed. The bill amends Titles 3, 4, 8, and 9 of the Tennessee Code to eliminate the expired provision.

Maddy summarySB 2709 amends the town charter for Jonesborough, Tennessee, affecting how the town's local government operates. The bill changes the process for filling mayoral vacancies by allowing the Board of Mayor and Aldermen to directly elect a mayor from among the aldermen, rather than appointing a vice mayor to serve as mayor during vacancies. It also modifies the town recorder's requirements, allowing them to carry liability insurance instead of being bonded as previously required. Additionally, the bill updates election schedules, setting specific dates for mayoral and aldermanic elections to occur in August of even-numbered years, with terms structured to align with county election cycles. These changes would apply to the Town of Jonesborough's local government operations.

Maddy summarySB 1849 shortens the deadline for Tennessee counties to post revisions to their charter of incorporation on their official websites. It reduces the current three-month posting window to two months, affecting all Tennessee counties required to maintain public access to charter documents. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee Code Annotated (Titles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, and 67) to implement this change. This is a procedural adjustment focused on streamlining local government administrative requirements. The bill was introduced in January 2026 and has advanced through initial committee stages.

Maddy summarySB 1777, the "Caring for Caregivers Act," creates a pilot program (2026-2029) providing financial grants to Tennessee family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's or related dementia. It directly affects caregivers who provide unpaid care to eligible family members needing assistance with at least two daily living activities (like bathing or dressing), live in private homes, and have household income below state median limits. The bill allows grants covering up to $6,000 annually for specific eligible expenses: home safety modifications, necessary medical equipment, or respite care, with priority to very low-income households. Grants continue if the care recipient temporarily stays in a hospital but plans to return home.

Maddy summarySB 2088 requires law enforcement officers with probable cause to believe someone committed a mass shooting (defined as injuring four or more people or attempting to kill four or more people) to arrange for a blood or urine test at a hospital. The test checks for psychotropic drugs, including therapeutic levels, and must be administered by a qualified healthcare provider. Hospitals must send test results and samples to the health science center, which will study drug interactions and report findings quarterly to lawmakers. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, applying to mass shootings occurring on or after that date. It directly affects officers, hospitals, and the health science center, with no liability for practitioners acting in good faith.

Maddy summarySB 1153 prohibits physicians and podiatrists in Tennessee from prescribing, administering, or treating themselves or their immediate family (spouse, parents, children, siblings) with medication or medical care, except in minor, self-limited, short-term, or emergency situations. It also strictly bans prescribing or administering controlled substances (scheduled drugs) to themselves or family members under any circumstances. An exception allows treatment of family within a physician’s regular scope of practice if no other doctor is available within 30 miles of their primary practice location. The bill applies to all licensed physicians and podiatrists in Tennessee and requires them to maintain records of any permitted treatments.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution formally commends Randall Franks and his project, "A Zippedy Doodle Day: American Folk Songs," for their work in preserving Appalachian musical heritage. The resolution recognizes the initiative, which involves releasing a historic album and documentary featuring unreleased tracks from the 1980s alongside performances by numerous contemporary artists. Proceeds from the project are designated to fund scholarships for graduating seniors in traditional Southern and Appalachian music through the Share America Foundation. The measure expresses gratitude to the many Tennessee musicians and organizations involved in supporting this cultural preservation effort.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring the life of R.L. McKinney, a deceased HVAC technician and community leader from East Tennessee. It formally acknowledges his service as a National Guard member, his long career with local schools, and his active roles in the Masonic Lodge and his church. The resolution expresses the legislature's sympathy to McKinney's family and directs the creation of a copy of the document for presentation to his relatives.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution officially commends Alvin Cole III for his exemplary service as a legislative intern assisting Senator Rusty Crowe during the 2026 session. The document highlights Cole's academic achievements, community involvement, and dedication to public service as reasons for the recognition. It does not alter any laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of his contributions to the General Assembly.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate joint resolution that formally celebrates the community effort to clear Jackson Bridge in Washington County after Hurricane Helene. It recognizes the neighbors who worked together to remove debris from the bridge, which was crucial for rescuing stranded people and distributing supplies during the flood. The resolution honors these individuals as unsung heroes and acknowledges the historical significance of the bridge in the area. This measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official statement of appreciation for the community's response to the disaster.