Save Rural Hospitals Act

On Tuesday, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 185, the Save Rural Hospitals Act, to improve TennCare reimbursements to help the financial stability of rural hospitals. The legislation would set a minimum and maximum level for aggregate reimbursement rates for a set of services to TennCare enrollees at rural hospitals. This would be a change from the current corridor reimbursement rates set for individual services. A closed hospital is not just a healthcare crisis, it’s an economic crisis. Tennessee ranks second in rural hospital closures only second to Texas. This legislation is aimed at preventing closures and increasing access to rural healthcare across the state.

Marsy’s Law one step closer to ballot

A constitutional amendment to guarantee victims of crime have clear and enforceable rights passed the full Senate this week. Senate Joint Resolution 9 would add Marsy’s Law to the Tennessee Constitution to support crime victims and prevent further trauma. It aims to give constitutional protections to victims, including the right to be heard, the right to be informed, and the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect through the judicial process.

The measure must still pass its second and final required passage in the House of Representatives before going on the next gubernatorial ballot.

Legislation passes to allow judges to consider juvenile records when setting bail for young adult offenders

The Senate passed legislation this week to ensure judges have access to a more complete criminal history when determining bail for young adult offenders. Senate Bill 221 grants judges the ability to review a defendant’s juvenile record from the past five years when setting bail for a new offense. This measure builds on legislative action taken last year to allow judges to prioritize public safety of the community as the primary consideration in bail decisions.

Senate passes legislation to expand prenatal screenings to protect mothers and babies

The Senate unanimously passed legislation this week aimed at strengthening prenatal care by expanding critical health screenings for pregnant women. Senate Bill 1283 seeks to enhance early detection and treatment of serious infections, ultimately reducing adverse birth outcomes and improving infant health.

In Tennessee we are committed to improving maternal and infant health through proactive and evidence-based care. Increasing prenatal screenings allows for early detection and intervention, leading to healthier outcomes for mothers and babies. This legislation ensures we take proactive steps to protect newborns from preventable conditions.

Permitting “blaze pink” as a hunting safety color

Legislation moved through the Senate Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday while committee members donned pink ties, scarves, and pocket squares in support. Senate Bill 206 would allow hunters to wear daylight fluorescent pink, “blaze pink”, as a substitute for the traditional fluorescent orange when hunting big game. The change would align Tennessee’s hunter safety standard with 12 other states. Beyond safety, this bill brings well deserved recognition to the many female hunters across the state. According to the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Tennessee has the highest population of sportswomen in the region. This bill is just one of many efforts to highlight female hunters

To the Citizens of Senate District 15

As your State Senator, it is a privilege to work on issues that matter most to you—from improving education and healthcare to fostering economic growth and ensuring public safety. While there is still much work to be done, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. None of this would have been possible without the support of constituents like you who are engaged, passionate, and invested in the future of our great state.

Please know that I remain dedicated to continuing to serve you to the best of my ability. I will always strive to represent your interests in Nashville with the utmost respect and determination.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve you. I look forward to the work ahead and to staying connected with each and every one of you.

All My Best,

Paul