Rep. John Crawford

Maddy summaryHB 2117 increases the employer contribution rate for retirement benefits under Tennessee's hybrid retirement plan from 5% to 10% for current state legislators (members of the General Assembly) who have at least 10 years of creditable service as a legislator by July 1, 2026. This change applies only to legislators serving on or after November 3, 2026, and specifically targets those meeting the service requirement. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 8-36-916, to adjust the contribution rate for this group. It does not affect other state employees or legislators without the required service.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution that formally honors the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion festival on its 25th anniversary. It recognizes the event's role in preserving Appalachian musical heritage, boosting local tourism, and strengthening community ties across Bristol, Tennessee, and Bristol, Virginia. The resolution expresses appreciation for the festival's organizers, volunteers, and leadership, particularly noting its growth since 2001 and its management by the Birthplace of Country Music nonprofit. No new laws or funding are created; the measure serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the festival's cultural and economic contributions to the region.

Maddy summaryHB 1794 allows Tennessee school districts to create their own investment pools for managing idle funds, directly affecting public school districts (as defined in TCA §49-1-103). The bill amends state code to permit school districts to establish these pools through written agreements, authorizing them to manage investments using powers similar to the state treasurer’s, while requiring written investment policies consistent with state guidelines. All pool agreements must be filed with the comptroller of the treasury and are subject to audit, ensuring oversight while enabling districts to potentially earn returns on unused funds. This builds on existing local government investment pools but specifically extends the mechanism to school districts, aiming to reduce reliance on additional taxes through better fund management.

Maddy summaryHJR 800 is a ceremonial resolution designating March 2026 as "Certified Government Financial Manager Month" in Tennessee. It recognizes the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) program and the work of accountants, auditors, and financial managers affiliated with the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) chapters in Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Nashville. The resolution honors their professional standards, ethical conduct, and expertise in government financial management without creating any new laws or policy changes. It serves solely as a symbolic acknowledgment of their contributions to public financial accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 2644 revises Bristol, Tennessee's local election rules for city council and school board elections to align with state general election law. It changes council elections to occur every even-numbered November (starting 2022), creating 3 district seats and 2 at-large seats, with all city voters able to vote for all candidates. The bill shortens the time for ordinances to take effect from 17 to 7 days, adjusts property tax deadlines (interest begins Jan. 31, penalty at 5% after March 31), and creates a Department of Education. These changes directly affect Bristol residents, city officials, and school board members by altering voting processes, administrative timelines, and tax collection procedures.

Maddy summaryHJR 799 is a ceremonial joint resolution honoring Helen Scott, Executive Director of Healing Hands Health Center, for being named "Bristolian of the Year" by the Bristol Herald Courier. It recognizes her over 20 years of service providing accessible health care in the Bristol community and her leadership at Healing Hands Health Center. The resolution formally commends her dedication to public service and community health without creating any new laws or policies. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect and does not directly affect any individuals or programs beyond this symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 2118 redirects all state sales tax revenue from recreational vessels (including sailboats and non-motorized craft), vessel accessories (like trailers and life jackets), and wildlife-related outdoor goods (such as fishing rods, hunting gear, and ammunition) to the Wildlife Resources Fund starting July 1, 2026. This funding will cover the operational costs of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The bill specifically excludes existing tax allocations for education (from 1992) and infrastructure (from 2002) from this redirection. It affects businesses selling these recreational items and ensures dedicated funding for wildlife management programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2131 requires Tennessee's Health Commissioner to study how neighboring states regulate telehealth prescriptions, comparing their rules for prescribers (like doctors and nurses) to Tennessee's current restrictions. Using existing resources, the commissioner must compile findings into a report for the legislature by December 31, 2026. This study aims to identify potential gaps or differences in telehealth prescription rules without changing current law. It directly affects prescribers who issue medications via telehealth by providing data for future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 2120 requires local tourism development authorities in Tennessee to file annual reports detailing their business affairs and transactions with the Department of Tourist Development. This bill directly affects local tourism authorities by adding a new reporting requirement. The key provision mandates these annual reports be submitted to the state's Department of Tourist Development, amending specific sections of Tennessee law to implement this change. The bill focuses on transparency in tourism authority operations without altering tourism funding or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2271 amends Tennessee law to require the Alcoholic Beverage Commission to submit its biennial report on underage drinking, drunk driving, and harmful alcohol use to both the governor and all members of the general assembly. Previously, the report was only sent to legislative members. This change adds the governor as a direct recipient of the report, expanding transparency by ensuring the executive branch receives the same data as lawmakers. The bill does not alter alcohol regulations or penalties but modifies reporting procedures for the commission. (Bill: HB 2271, amending TCA 57-1-206)