Rep. John Crawford

Maddy summaryThis bill updates election rules for Bristol, Tennessee, to align with state changes in general election law. It establishes how city council and board of education members are elected, including terms of four years and allowing all city voters to vote for all seats regardless of district. The legislation also shortens the time for city ordinances to take effect from 17 days to seven days after final passage, adjusts property tax due dates, and creates a new department of education. These changes directly affect Bristol residents, city officials, and the local government structure.

Maddy summaryHB 2119 shortens the deadline for Tennessee cities that collect tourism occupancy taxes to report spending to the Department of Tourist Development. Specifically, it changes the reporting window from 90 days to 60 days after the end of each fiscal year. The bill requires cities to detail how tourism funds were spent and designated for tourism development. This change directly affects all municipalities levying such taxes under Tennessee law.

Maddy summaryHB 2114 allows Tennessee local governments (like cities and counties) to publish certain public notices online instead of in print newspapers, starting July 1, 2027. Local governments must first adopt a written policy and pass an ordinance detailing how electronic notices will be posted, ensuring free public access, security, and accessibility for all users. The policy must specify retention periods, standardized notice formats, and legally compliant posting rules, while requiring third-party websites to charge only reasonable fees for hosting. Notices still required by law to appear in print newspapers must continue to be published that way.

Maddy summaryHB 2272 limits liability for celebrities who endorse alcoholic beverage brands or on-premise establishments (like bars) in Tennessee. It states that celebrities are not liable for injuries, deaths, or damages related to the endorsed products unless they personally sold, supervised, or were directly involved in the sales. To qualify, celebrities must meet specific requirements, including being 21+, U.S. citizens, and having no recent alcohol-related convictions. The bill clarifies that endorsement agreements and promotional activities do not create ownership or management control over the business. This directly affects celebrities, beverage brands, and establishments by shifting liability to the businesses themselves.

Maddy summaryHB 338 allows state agency heads (including the treasurer, secretary of state, and adjutant general) to submit their annual financial and operational reports electronically to the governor instead of through paper. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections to add this electronic filing option for required annual reports. It directly affects state departments and agencies that currently submit these reports annually. This is a procedural change to update reporting methods, with no new requirements or policy impacts.

Maddy summaryHJR 1353 is a joint resolution honoring Margaret Tranbarger Cooper on the occasion of her 100th birthday. The bill formally recognizes her life achievements, including her service as a Hawkins County Commissioner, her work at Tennessee Eastman, and her community involvement in Church Hill. It directs the General Assembly to present a copy of the resolution to her as a gesture of appreciation for her contributions to Tennessee.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution from the Tennessee General Assembly formally commends Seth Koenes for his exemplary work as a legislative intern for Representative John Crawford during the 2026 session. The document highlights his contributions to the House State and Local Committee, his provision of constituent services, and his academic achievements as a student at Austin Peay State University. By passing this measure, the legislature acknowledges Koenes's professional dedication and extends good wishes for his future endeavors.

Maddy summaryHB 473 requires law enforcement in Tennessee to collect a mouth swab DNA sample from anyone arrested for a felony offense on or after July 1, 2025. The sample must be taken before the person is released from custody and sent to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for analysis. If charges are dismissed or the person is acquitted, the DNA sample and records must be destroyed, unless other felony charges are pending. This law directly affects all individuals arrested for felonies in Tennessee after the effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 2116 designates the residential burn building at the Tennessee Fire Services and Codes Enforcement Academy as the "Charles 'Charlie' J. Lewis Residential Burn Building" to honor his service to Tennessee's firefighting community. The bill requires the academy to install signage or markers identifying the building with this new name using existing resources. This is a ceremonial designation with no policy changes or financial impact, directly affecting the building's name and the academy's signage.

Maddy summaryHB 436 modifies property tax relief for eligible disabled veterans in Tennessee. It changes how tax relief is calculated by requiring that the first $175,000 of a property's full market value (used as the veteran's primary residence) be multiplied by the jurisdiction's standard property tax rate - not an adjusted rate - when determining relief. This directly affects disabled veterans who own qualifying residential property, ensuring relief is based on the actual local tax rate applied to their home. The change applies to tax years beginning July 1, 2025, and simplifies the calculation method for local governments.