Rep. Jeremy Faison

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Tennessee wildlife agency to issue licenses for operating facilities like marinas, campsites, and restaurants on state-owned lands to better utilize those resources. The agency must first advertise for proposals and get approval from the state building commission and attorney general before granting these licenses, which can last up to three years and may be ended without cause. Additionally, the law clarifies that people who hold a permit to breed or raise wildlife do not need a separate personal possession permit. These changes aim to streamline how the state manages its natural resources and regulates wildlife-related businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act" to legally recognize parental rights as fundamental and limit government interference. It explicitly grants parents the authority to direct their children's upbringing, education, religious training, and healthcare decisions, including the right to access medical records and consent to the collection of biometric data. The legislation also prohibits government employees from coercing children to withhold information from their parents and allows parents to sue for damages if their rights are violated by state entities. While it strengthens parental control over these areas, it maintains that the law does not authorize abuse or neglect of children and does not grant access to medical procedures that the child themselves has no right to receive.

Maddy summaryThis bill enacts the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact in Tennessee, allowing licensed physician assistants to practice across other member states without obtaining a new state license for each location. The law creates a system where a physician assistant can receive a "Compact Privilege" to practice in other participating states if they hold a valid, unrestricted license in good standing in their home state. A key provision is that the practice of medicine is considered to occur where the patient is located, meaning the physician assistant remains under the jurisdiction of the state where the patient receives care. The legislation also includes specific provisions to assist military families by streamlining licensure for active-duty personnel and their spouses who move frequently.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Dietitian Licensure Compact in Tennessee, allowing licensed dietitians to practice across state lines with a single license. It creates a system where professionals who meet uniform standards can obtain a "compact privilege" to work in other member states without needing separate licenses for each location. The law also sets up a commission to share information about licenses and disciplinary actions between states while ensuring that dietitians remain accountable to the laws of the state where they are treating patients. Additionally, the compact specifically aims to make it easier for active military members and their spouses to relocate and continue their careers without administrative delays.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Tennessee law to clarify that eminent domain cannot be used to take private property for building recreational facilities, parks, or other recreational purposes. It explicitly removes these uses from the legal definition of "public use," preventing the government from seizing land primarily for private enjoyment or indirect economic benefits like increased tax revenue. However, the law still allows the government to use eminent domain for essential public projects such as roads, bridges, utilities, and urban renewal efforts in blighted areas. By making these changes, the bill restricts the scope of property that can be condemned while preserving existing powers for critical infrastructure and community development.

Maddy summaryThis law allows licensed tow truck operators to remove firearms from vehicles they are storing, provided the removal does not damage the car and other specific conditions are met. The bill amends state codes to clarify the legal authority for these professionals to handle guns left behind in towed vehicles. It applies directly to businesses engaged in towing and vehicle storage services within Tennessee. The change is intended to update existing regulations regarding the handling of personal property during vehicle storage.

Maddy summaryThis law extends the deadline for distressed rural counties in Tennessee to apply for eligibility to keep sales tax revenue from commercial development districts. Originally set to expire on December 31, 2024, the new application window now runs until December 31, 2030. The change also pushes the related filing date for these applications from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2031. These adjustments affect counties that have designated commercial development districts and are currently classified as financially distressed.