Maddy summarySB 1326 exempts Tennessee taxpayers aged 85 or older who have received property tax relief for five consecutive years from submitting annual income reports to maintain their eligibility. The bill modifies existing property tax relief rules to allow these seniors to continue receiving benefits without yearly paperwork, provided their income stays below the annual threshold and they meet other eligibility criteria. Instead, a simplified reapplication process will be developed - allowing online or mail submissions with basic checkboxes - to verify income and non-income requirements. This change directly affects elderly homeowners enrolled in Tennessee’s property tax relief program, reducing administrative burdens while maintaining income-based eligibility.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution honors Mariana Perez Pita for her outstanding work as a legislative intern during the 2026 session. It recognizes her academic achievements, community involvement, and dedication to public service while she assisted Senator Sara Kyle. The document serves as a formal commendation rather than a law, expressing appreciation for her contributions to the General Assembly.
Maddy summarySB 1638 designates "Tennessee" by Drew Holcomb as an official state song, adding it to Tennessee's list of state symbols. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated to include this song under the official state songs section (TCA § 4-1-302(16)). This change directly affects the state's official designation of cultural symbols but has no practical impact on residents or policy. It is a symbolic, non-substantive bill with no financial or regulatory provisions.
Maddy summarySB 2498 requires Tennessee's Department of Finance and Administration to create rules governing cash transaction rounding for businesses. The rules must mandate rounding to the nearest five cents, prevent systematic rounding that favors sellers, and require receipts to clearly show subtotals, rounding adjustments, and the total price. This bill amends Tennessee Code to establish these requirements and directs the department to enforce them using existing resources. It directly affects businesses that accept cash payments and their customers by standardizing rounding practices and increasing transaction transparency.
Maddy summarySB 2683 exempts tampons and sanitary pads from Tennessee's sales tax. It requires public schools to provide these products free to students upon request by school administrators, boards, or directors. The law applies to all Tennessee public schools and affects retailers selling these items as well as students who need access. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and defines "feminine hygiene products" as tampons and sanitary pads.
Maddy summarySB 1205 exempts the sale or use of menstrual hygiene products from Tennessee's sales and use tax. It defines these products to include tampons, pads, liners, cups, and douches (both reusable and disposable) for individuals managing menstruation. The exemption will take effect on July 1, 2025, removing a tax burden on these essential items for consumers and retailers. This policy change directly affects people who purchase these products and businesses selling them within Tennessee.
Maddy summarySB 2495 would establish a new minimum wage in Tennessee of $20 per hour, effective January 1, 2027. Starting January 1, 2028, the wage would automatically increase each year based on changes in the Consumer Price Index, rounded to the nearest five cents. Employers would be required to post the wage requirements in a visible location and would face civil liability for violations, including paying back wages plus additional damages. Employees could file claims within two years (or three years for willful violations) to recover unpaid wages. This bill directly affects all employers and employees covered under Tennessee's wage laws.
Maddy summarySB 2681, the "Bring Your Own Generation Act" (BYOG), requires large data centers and AI facilities in Tennessee with peak demand over 100 megawatts to generate 50% of their electricity from new onsite clean energy sources. It imposes a 100% surcharge on these facilities to fund grid upgrades for clean energy, with the revenue deposited into the Tennessee Environmental Protection Fund. The bill also prohibits using fossil fuel power purchase agreements for state economic incentives or state-subsidized fossil fuels for primary power at qualified data centers. This bill directly affects major data center operators and aims to accelerate clean energy integration without shifting costs to other utility customers. The bill is pending in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee as of March 2026.
Maddy summarySB 2010, the "Regulate Artificial Intelligence in Health Care Act," requires health insurance companies to have licensed healthcare professionals review AI-driven decisions about whether medical care is medically necessary before denying or delaying treatment. It directly affects health insurance issuers - including TennCare, pharmacy benefits managers, and large insurers - that use AI tools for prior authorization decisions. The bill prohibits AI systems from making final medical necessity determinations alone, mandating that licensed providers evaluate each case based on patient history and clinical details. Violations are considered unfair claims practices, allowing affected individuals to sue for damages, including attorney fees, and the law takes effect July 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 2015 prohibits Tennessee state agencies from using state funds, personnel, or resources to support U.S. immigration and customs enforcement activities within the state. It directly affects state law enforcement, correctional facilities, and government departments that might otherwise collaborate with federal immigration authorities. The bill bans state funding for any activities related to immigration enforcement, including criminal investigations or enforcement of immigration laws. This is a spending restriction that would prevent state resources from being directed toward federal immigration operations. The bill applies to all state resources and takes effect upon becoming law.