Sen. Steve Southerland

Maddy summarySB 2705 ends Hamblen County's Road Commission and replaces it with an elected Road Superintendent position, effective August 31, 2028. The bill repeals all historical laws governing the county's highway department (Chapter 313 of the 1949 Private Acts and its amendments) and creates a new elected role to manage roads, bridges, and sanitation oversight. This change directly affects Hamblen County residents through their local government structure, as the Road Superintendent will be elected by county voters every four years starting in 2028. The bill requires approval by a two-thirds vote of Hamblen County's legislative body to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 2703 creates an elected position for Hamblen County Attorney, replacing the previous appointment system. The bill requires the Hamblen County Commission to annually elect the County Attorney at its September meeting and sets a $1,200 annual retainer fee, with additional pay for legal services. It mandates that the bill cannot take effect without a two-thirds vote approval from Hamblen County’s legislative body. The changes directly affect Hamblen County residents by altering how their local legal representative is selected and compensated.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 1247 formally honors Reese McCann, a men's tennis player at Tusculum University, for his selection to the second team All-South Atlantic Conference. The resolution recognizes his specific achievements, including leading his doubles team to a strong season record and helping his university reach the ITA Division II Top 30. This legislative action serves as a public commendation rather than a change to laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution honors Rens Verhaar, a men's tennis player at Tusculum University, for being named to the third team All-South Atlantic Conference. The measure formally congratulates him on his athletic achievements, including leading his team to a strong season record and winning 24 consecutive games. It is a ceremonial document that does not change any laws or policies but serves to recognize his accomplishments.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution honors Hannah Marsh, a beach volleyball player at Tusculum University, for being named to the South Atlantic Conference Carolinas All-Conference First Team. The bill formally recognizes her athletic achievements, including her team's strong conference record and victories over Division I opponents, as a source of pride for Tennessee. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of her success and character as a student athlete.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 1248 honors Angus Howard, a tennis player at Tusculum University, for being named to the second team All-South Atlantic Conference in men's doubles. The resolution recognizes his specific achievements, including helping his team reach a 17-4 record and playing as part of the number-one doubles pair. This legislative measure serves as a formal commendation rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution honors Evan Goins, a junior baseball player at Tusculum University, for being named the WePlayed Sports South Atlantic Conference Baseball Player of the Week. The measure recognizes his specific achievements during a recent series, including hitting three home runs and driving in six runs in a single game. It serves as a formal commendation from the Tennessee General Assembly and does not create any new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution honors Sylvia Liszewski, a beach volleyball player at Tusculum University in Tennessee. It formally recognizes her selection to the South Atlantic Conference Carolinas All-Conference Second Team following her performance during the season. The resolution directs the General Assembly to congratulate her and wishes her continued success in her future endeavors.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution formally recognizes Sofia Vega Barrantes of Tusculum University for her athletic achievements in women's beach volleyball. The bill honors her selection as the South Atlantic Conference Carolinas Freshman of the Year and her All-SACC first team status. It authorizes the presentation of a copy of this resolution to the honoree upon request.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors Bailey Cheek, a teacher at Hal Henard Elementary School, for being named The Greeneville Sun's Teacher of the Month for March 2026. It formally recognizes her dedication to education and her positive impact on students without changing any laws or policies. The resolution serves as a public commendation of her professional excellence and personal character. Once signed, it will be presented to Ms. Cheek as a gesture of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly.