Rep. John Crawford

Maddy summaryHB 2273 requires Tennessee's state fire marshal to post fire drill training materials on their website. This directly affects owners, tenants, and employees of educational and institutional buildings (like schools and hospitals). The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-102-137(d) to add this website requirement, supplementing existing in-person training obligations. The change takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Tennessee law to allow masonic lodges and their sponsored corporations or limited liability companies (LLCs) to acquire real or personal property through deeds (e.g., purchase or gift) for purposes like building lodges, halls, temples, or burial grounds. It specifically authorizes these sponsored entities to lease or rent property to masonic lodges or other groups under terms they set. The law defines a "masonic lodge-sponsored corporation or LLC" as an entity formed by a lodge’s officers or members for this purpose. The bill amends Tennessee Code Title 48, Chapter 102, to update property ownership rules for these organizations.

Maddy summaryHB 842 redirects 50% of Tennessee's real estate transfer tax revenue (currently $0.37 per $100 of property value) back to the county where the tax was collected, starting July 1, 2025. This change applies to all property transfers after that date and directly affects Tennessee counties, providing them with new local revenue to fund services and infrastructure. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 67-4-409 to require the state to return these funds to counties based on the total tax collected in each jurisdiction. This policy shift aims to ease county budget pressures from rising costs and population growth without increasing the tax rate.

Maddy summaryHB 627 amends Tennessee law to extend the time municipalities have to collect hotel occupancy taxes from three years to four years under Section 7-4-107. The bill directly affects local governments that impose this tax on hotel and motel stays. It makes a technical correction to the existing tax collection timeframe without changing tax rates or creating new requirements. The bill became law as Public Chapter 372 on May 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 540 amends Tennessee law to expand the definition of "racketeering activity" to include animal fighting. Specifically, it adds "animal fighting under § 39-14-203" to the list of offenses classified as racketeering. This change directly affects individuals or groups involved in organizing, promoting, or facilitating animal fighting events, treating such activities as organized crime. The law, effective July 1, 2025, makes animal fighting a specific racketeering offense under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 39. It is now enacted as Public Chapter 264.

Maddy summaryHB 333 would allow firefighters in Tennessee with a rank of shift commander or higher to continue working past the current mandatory retirement age of 62. This changes existing law (Tennessee Code § 8-36-205) by removing the retirement requirement for these senior firefighters, while keeping the 62-year limit for other firefighters. The bill amends the specific code section governing firefighter retirement eligibility to create this exception. It would take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 104 is a ceremonial resolution commending Stephen Curtis for his service as a legislative intern during Tennessee's 2025 legislative session. It formally recognizes his work supporting Representative John Crawford and the House Local Government Committee, highlighting his academic background and prior internship experience. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses the House's appreciation and extends well-wishes to Curtis. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any stakeholders.

Maddy summaryHB 403 expands Tennessee's unlawful photography law to cover photos where the defendant knew the victim was engaged in sexual activity. It upgrades penalties for this offense to a felony (Class D) in specific cases, replacing previous misdemeanor or lower felony classifications. The bill also allows courts to issue protection orders for victims who have been subjected to, threatened with, or feared such non-consensual photography. This directly affects individuals who commit non-consensual photography and victims of such acts. The changes apply to offenses occurring on or after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 2025 as "Certified Government Financial Manager Month" in Tennessee. It honors Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) professionals who meet AGA certification standards, including educational requirements, ethical conduct, and passing examinations in government financial management. The resolution recognizes their work in state and local government accounting, auditing, and financial management across Tennessee. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or obligations but formally commends these professionals' contributions to public financial accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 733 would change Tennessee's property tax appeal process for industrial and commercial properties by removing the requirement that owners obtain the assessor's consent before appealing valuation disputes directly to the State Board of Equalization (instead of first going through local boards). The bill also sets a deadline (August 1) for direct appeals and requires local officials to notify taxpayers if they reject disputed tax payments, while preventing interest from accruing on those disputed amounts during the appeal. This directly affects business owners and property taxpayers who disagree with their assessed valuations. The changes aim to streamline the appeals process and reduce delays in resolving tax disputes.