Savanna’s Law aims to create a domestic violence registry

Senate Bill 324 was passed the Senate Judiciary Committee this week to create a persistent domestic violence registry. The registry would provide public access to offender information including their name, birthdate, conviction date and photograph while protecting sensitive details like addresses or Social Security numbers. Offenders will be required to register with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) following their second and subsequent domestic violence offenses. The fees paid by the offender to register will be used for violence prevention efforts across the state.

This bill is named Savanna’s Law after Robertson County Sheriff’s Deputy Savanna Puckett. Puckett was murdered by her ex-boyfriend who had a history of domestic violence prior to their meeting. Puckett was unaware of these charges. Her family hopes this change will protect others from similar offenders.

General Assembly approves adding internet safety to state curriculum

Legislation that ensures Tennessee students have the tools they need to stay safe on the internet was approved by the Senate this week following its passage in the House of Representatives last week.

The Teen Social Media and Internet Safety Act requires public and charter schools to provide social media and internet safety lessons for students in grades 6-12. Lessons would be taught during the student’s health or gym classes.

A 2023 report from the U.S. Surgeon General stated that up to 95% of teens ages 13-17 use social media platforms, with 64% reporting being often or sometimes exposed to hate content online. The curriculum must cover topics such as time management, mental health effects, privacy, cyberbullying, online safety and the impacts of artificial intelligence and misinformation. Parents can excuse their child from part or all of the lessons by providing a written request to the school’s principal and those students would be assigned an alternative assignment.

The curriculum would be implemented in the 2026-27 school year.

Protecting children from fentanyl

To protect children from the dangers of fentanyl, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1415. This bill will enhance the penalty to a Class E felony for knowingly placing a child in danger of death or injury by possessing any amount of fentanyl or its derivatives in their presence. It would be a Class B felony if the child exposed to the dangerous drug is under eight years old. Senate Bill 1415 moves to the Senate Floor.

Updating student search policies

The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved Senate Bill 290, legislation aimed at clarifying procedures for conducting student searches in schools. Sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), the bill mandates that searches of students or their property be carried out exclusively by school resource officers, school security officers, or trained administrators.

If a student is under 18 years old, the principal is required to notify the student’s parents or guardians and obtain consent prior to conducting the search. Additionally, the bill strengthens students’ rights by requiring local education agencies and law enforcement to offer orientation programs for school administrators on proper search procedures and student protections.

Senate Bill 290 now heads to the Senate Floor for further consideration.

To the Citizens of Senate District 15

Another week is in the books for the 114th General Assembly session, and it has been both productive and meaningful. We’ve had the opportunity to discuss and vote on several important bills on the Senate floor, and I’ve also presented multiple pieces of legislation in various committees. I’m looking forward to the weeks ahead as we continue working to move these important measures forward.

I’m truly grateful for your support and the trust you’ve placed in me to represent District 15. Your voice matters, and I value your thoughts on the legislation we’re considering. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any questions or if we can assist you in any way.

All My Best,

Paul