Rep. Fred Atchley

Maddy summaryHJR 751 is a ceremonial resolution designating Gatlinburg, Tennessee, as the "official Gateway to the Smokies." It recognizes Gatlinburg's location adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park - home to over 13 million annual visitors - and its role as the primary tourist entry point via U.S. Route 441. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes; it solely serves to formally acknowledge the city's established status as the park's main access point. The bill is currently under review by the Naming & Designating Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2208 clarifies that the four trustees overseeing Tennessee's post-employment benefits may appoint a designee to act on their behalf when absent. This procedural bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 8-27-801 to explicitly state that each trustee position (including the finance commissioner, Senate finance chair, House finance chair, and retirement system board chair) can use a designee. It does not change benefit amounts or eligibility but streamlines administrative operations for retirement trustees. The bill affects the governance structure of the state's retirement system administration.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally recognizes and honors Rose Gainey, Clinical Director of the Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center, on the occasion of her retirement. The resolution acknowledges her nearly fifteen years of service, during which she led therapeutic care programs and supervised a team of therapists providing trauma-focused therapy to children and families in multiple Tennessee counties. It highlights her professional achievements, including conducting over 23,000 therapy sessions and expanding the therapy program team from one to five members. The bill does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute to her contributions to child advocacy and mental health services in the region.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes fire protection services as an essential service in Tennessee and encourages all local governments to ensure these services are available to every resident. It does not create new laws, funding requirements, or mandates, but formally states the General Assembly's position on the importance of fire protection as a critical community service. The resolution highlights fire services' role in responding to emergencies, supporting economic stability, and addressing historical disparities in how fire protection is treated compared to law enforcement or EMS. It applies to all local governments across Tennessee but remains a symbolic statement of intent without binding legal effect.

Maddy summaryHJR 937 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Chief John Linsenbigler upon his retirement after 44 years in the fire service, including 30 years with the Seymour Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD). It formally recognizes his 30 years of service with SVFD (including seven years as chief), his leadership during the department's 55th anniversary, and his community impact. The resolution, passed unanimously by both legislative chambers, expresses the General Assembly's commendation and best wishes for his retirement but includes no new policy or funding. It is purely symbolic, with no legal effect or direct impact on constituents beyond the ceremonial tribute.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HJR 777), not a substantive bill. It honors the late Lieutenant Gordon Gwathney of the Knoxville Police Department following his death. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family and commemorates his 27-year career, including his service as a School Resource Officer, his 2013 Officer of the Year award, and his military background. It has no policy changes or direct impact on constituents - it solely serves as a formal expression of respect for his public service.

Maddy summaryHJR 715 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Ty Glasper, a senior at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School, for being named TSSAA Class 2A Mr. Basketball for the 2024-2025 season. It recognizes his athletic achievements, including scoring over 3,000 career points, alongside his academic record and character. The resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions - it is solely a symbolic gesture of recognition by the Tennessee General Assembly. It was unanimously passed by both chambers and signed into effect in January 2026.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Captain Dennis Adams of the Pigeon Forge Police Department upon his retirement after 47 years of service. It recognizes his career achievements, including being named Employee of the Year in 1984 and graduating from the FBI National Academy. The resolution extends commendation for his dedication to public safety and community service in Sevier County. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policy.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution honors Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters upon his retirement after 47 years as the longest-serving elected official in Tennessee. It recognizes his leadership in growing Sevier County's population (more than tripled), expanding tourism to 21+ million annual visitors, and advancing economic development, public safety, and community partnerships during his tenure. The resolution serves as a formal commendation of his career, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 2447 requires Tennessee county election commissions to notify individuals who file recall, referendum, or initiative petitions about any defects in their documentation before the petition is certified. This amendment to election law (TCA Title 2) gives commissions the authority to alert filers of missing or incorrect information that must be corrected. The bill directly affects petitioners seeking to initiate these election processes by providing a clearer path to fix errors. It is a procedural change focused on improving petition processing, not altering election outcomes.