Maddy summaryThis bill updates election rules for the City of Bristol, Tennessee, to align with state changes in general election law. It directly affects city council members and board of education members by establishing new election dates, term lengths, and voting procedures. Key provisions include shifting council and education board elections to the first Tuesday in November for even-numbered years, setting four-year terms starting in January, and allowing all city voters to nominate and vote for candidates regardless of their residential district. The bill also reduces the time for ordinances to take effect from 17 days to seven days, adjusts property tax due dates, and creates a new department of education. Additionally, it modifies how property tax penalties and interest apply, including a 5% penalty for unpaid taxes after March 31 and a 2% discount for early payment.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 2040, the "FAIR Rx Act," prohibits pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) from owning, controlling, or having any financial interest in pharmacies in Tennessee after January 1, 2027. It requires pharmacies to disclose all owners with 5% or more stake and prevents PBMs from using contracts (like management or revenue-sharing agreements) to exert operational control over pharmacies. The bill directly affects PBMs, pharmacies (especially rural and community ones), and aims to prevent conflicts of interest that could restrict patient choice, increase costs, or undermine pharmacist independence. By separating financial control from patient care decisions, it seeks to improve transparency and affordability in prescription drug access.
Maddy summarySB 2579, the "Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Act," establishes new licensure requirements for dietitians and nutritionists in Tennessee, replacing current standards. It defines key terms like "medical nutrition therapy" (for treating health conditions) versus "general non-medical nutrition information," and creates distinctions between "complex" (high-acuity medical cases) and "non-complex" care. The bill expands the governing board from five to nine members and sets minimum education and competency standards for licensed practitioners. This directly affects dietitians, nutritionists, and the public seeking these services, clarifying who can provide medical nutrition care versus general dietary advice.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes the deadline for county legislative bodies to submit written reports on judicial commissioners from April 1 to April 15. The report must include findings and an overall evaluation of how these commissioners are performing in criminal courts. This adjustment applies to counties in Tennessee that use judicial commissioners and affects the timing of their annual performance reviews. The change is administrative and does not alter the role or responsibilities of the commissioners themselves.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution formally commends Bridget Harper-Diaz for her exemplary service as a legislative intern for Senator Bobby Harshbarger. The measure recognizes her contributions during the 2026 legislative session and highlights her academic and leadership background. It instructs the General Assembly to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to the honoree upon request.
Maddy summarySJR 1108 is a commemorative resolution that honors Rylan Kiser, a student at Dobyns-Bennett High School, for being named the 2026 Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport Youth of the Year. The bill formally recognizes his six years of membership in the club and celebrates his achievements as an example of youth leadership and community service. This legislative action does not change laws or policies but serves to publicly acknowledge and commend Kiser's accomplishments.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the city charter of Kingsport, Tennessee, to modify several administrative and operational procedures for local government. It changes how a vice-mayor is selected, adjusts the timeline for issuing tax collection warrants, removes a requirement to publish budget drafts in newspapers, and shifts the start date for school board members from July to September. These changes directly affect the Kingsport city council, treasurer, and board of education by altering their specific duties and schedules. The bill is a procedural update that does not change the overall structure of local government or create new powers.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life and legacy of Fred Walton, a former football coach and educator from Kingsport. The bill recognizes his achievements as a head coach at Dobyns-Bennett High School, where he led teams to multiple conference titles and never suffered a losing season over a decade. It also acknowledges his long service as a radio commentator, his leadership roles within the Kingsport City Schools system, and his contributions to various community organizations. The resolution formally expresses the Senate's sympathy to Walton's family and intends to present a copy of the document as a tribute.
Maddy summarySB 1210 requires state or local law enforcement officers in Tennessee to receive written notice detailing the specific allegations before being placed on a "Brady list" (a list tracking officers with misconduct allegations), and mandates at least 10 business days for the officer to respond before the placement is finalized. This bill directly affects law enforcement officers who might face placement on such a list due to misconduct allegations. The key mechanism is the procedural safeguard of prior written notice and a response period, amending Tennessee Code Annotated Title 38, Chapter 8. The bill focuses on due process for officers during the listing process, without changing the criteria for listing.
Maddy summarySB 740 requires Tennessee school districts to provide free breakfast and lunch to students eligible for free or reduced-price meals under federal nutrition programs. The state would reimburse districts for meal costs after all applicable federal funds (from programs like the National School Lunch Act) have been applied, subject to available state funding. This policy becomes effective for the 2025-2026 school year and applies to all subsequent school years. The bill amends state law to align eligibility criteria with federal income standards and streamline reimbursement processes.