Sen. Steve Southerland

Maddy summarySB 2597 allows Tennessee's wildlife agency to partner with local police to enforce wildlife laws, requiring written agreements that specify which rules officers can enforce (like bear feeding prohibitions) and mandating regular reports on enforcement actions. It creates a Class B misdemeanor for knowingly feeding black bears in areas where such feeding is prohibited, punishable by a $250+ fine, while unintentional feeding due to unsecured food leads to a written warning for first offenses and fines for repeat violations. The law directly affects residents in designated bear areas and local law enforcement agencies participating in the enforcement partnerships. It takes effect July 1, 2026, applying to violations occurring after that date.

Maddy summarySB 2601 increases the retained risk limit for county mutual insurance companies in Tennessee from $100,000 to $250,000 per single risk covered by an insurance policy. This change directly affects county mutual insurance companies operating under Tennessee law, allowing them to cover larger individual risks without seeking additional reinsurance. The bill amends two specific sections of Tennessee Code Annotated (Title 56, Chapter 22, Sections 56-22-106(c)(1)(B) and (c)(2)) to update the dollar amount. The law will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution formally congratulates Chuck Winstead-Brown on being named the 2026 Sevierville Chamber of Commerce Friend of the Year. The bill directly acknowledges his work as Special Events Coordinator for Ripley's Sevier County Attractions and his support for the local tourism industry. It serves as an official expression of appreciation from the General Assembly without changing any existing laws or regulations.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 1059 formally honors Emma Hummer, a student from the Erwin FFA chapter in Tennessee, for her achievement of placing eighth nationally in the FFA Nursery-Landscape Career Development Event. This legislative measure does not alter laws or policies but serves as a commemorative resolution to recognize her specific accomplishment in plant identification, propagation, and landscape design. The document is intended to be presented to the student as a symbol of appreciation for her contributions to Tennessee's agriculture industry.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally honors Youth Builders of Greeneville for its eightieth anniversary. It recognizes the organization's long-standing work since 1946 in supporting children and families through various programs like college scholarships, child safety identification, and community partnerships. The resolution expresses gratitude for the group's contributions but does not create new laws, change funding, or alter any government policies. Its primary effect is to provide a ceremonial acknowledgment of the nonprofit's history and achievements.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally honors Julie Slagle for winning second place in the culinary category at the National Sweet Sorghum Producers and Processors Association's annual contest. The resolution recognizes her achievement in creating sorghum ice cream and acknowledges her role in continuing a four-generation family tradition of sorghum production in Unicoi County. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official commendation from the Tennessee General Assembly to present to the honoree.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution that formally honors Marlin Hensley for winning first place in a national sweet sorghum syrup contest. It recognizes his skill in traditional syrup production and his role in preserving Tennessee's agricultural heritage through his family's work at Hensley Farm. The resolution does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official commendation from the state legislature to Mr. Hensley.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally honors Alayna Baes for being named the 2026 Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Club of Morristown. The resolution recognizes her nine years of membership at the club and celebrates her achievements as an example of leadership and service. It does not create any new laws or change existing policies but serves as an official commendation from the Tennessee General Assembly.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally recognizes the Child Advocacy Center of the 3rd Judicial District on its twenty-fifth anniversary. It does not create new laws or change any policies but instead serves as a commemorative gesture to honor the organization's twenty-five years of work in Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, and Hawkins counties. The resolution thanks the center's staff for their efforts in providing forensic interviews and therapy to children and families affected by abuse and neglect. Upon signing, the document will be presented to the organization as a symbol of appreciation from the state legislature.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 1061 formally recognizes Abby Petterson, a student from the Erwin FFA chapter, for her eighth-place finish at the National FFA Nursery-Landscape Career Development Event. This legislative measure honors her achievements in plant identification, propagation, and landscape design, acknowledging her role as an emerging leader in Tennessee's agriculture industry. The resolution directs that a copy of the document be prepared for presentation to the honoree upon her request.