Rep. Fred Atchley

Maddy summaryHB 591 regulates retail sales of vapor products in Tennessee to restrict youth access. It defines a "retail vapor product store" as a location exclusively open to those 21+ and prohibits selling vapor products elsewhere except in specific cases (e.g., hemp-derived products under separate rules, or unflavored cartridges in non-specialty stores). The bill requires retailers to verify age upon entry and at point of sale, mandates prominent signage stating "No sales to under 21" at all points of sale, and requires additional entry signage for vapor stores. These changes directly affect retailers selling vapor products and aim to prevent underage access to such products.

Maddy summaryHB 497 (Tennessee) amends state law to provide a five-day grace period for assistant district attorneys general and criminal investigators to submit late expense accounts. Specifically, it changes the rule that previously disallowed unpaid expense accounts for late submission, requiring instead that accounts must not be paid unless these employees submit them within five days of the month's end with an explanation. The bill directly affects these two specific public employee roles in the criminal justice system. It takes effect June 30, 2025. This is a procedural change to existing compensation rules, not a substantive policy shift.

Maddy summaryHB 585 amends Tennessee law to require at least 30 hours of community service for individuals convicted of misusing official information, a Class B misdemeanor offense. This community service, determined by the court, must be added to any other penalties authorized by law. The bill directly affects public servants who misuse their official position or information. The changes would take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed. The bill does not replace existing penalties but adds this community service requirement as an additional consequence.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Tennessee's advisory commission (TACIR) to study alternative transportation user fees for electric and hybrid vehicles to address revenue losses from fuel-efficient vehicles. The study must evaluate fee options, their benefits and challenges, and examine successful programs in at least three other states over the past decade. TACIR must submit its recommendations to key legislative leaders by January 1, 2026, using existing resources without new funding. The bill does not change current fees but directs a review to inform future transportation funding policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 15) passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to formally recognize Dollywood's 40th anniversary. It expresses official appreciation for the park's role in Tennessee tourism and its mission of creating family experiences, specifically highlighting planned 2025 anniversary events. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition for Dollywood and its stakeholders.

Maddy summaryHJR 13 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the Sevier County High School football team (the Smoky Bears) for winning the 2024 TSSAA Division I, Class 5A State Football Championship. It recognizes their undefeated 15-0 season, including victories over Knoxville Central, Powell, and Page High Schools, and celebrates their second state title in school history (since 1999). The resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment from the Tennessee General Assembly, highlighting the team's achievement as a source of community pride and inspiration for student-athletes statewide.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution commends Tim Baker, Waldens Creek Volunteer Fire Department chief, for being named the 2024 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year by the Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association. It highlights his 39 years of service (30 as chief), his department’s expanded response volume (from ~60 to nearly 800 annual calls), and his community leadership. The resolution formally recognizes his dedication and professional excellence through a symbolic gesture of appreciation. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy or funding implications.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes Police Chief Richard Catlett and the Pigeon Forge Police Department for winning the Tennessee Municipal League's Excellence in Police Services Award. It highlights their service to Pigeon Forge's 6,200 residents and the 14 million annual visitors to the area, including those at Dollywood and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's congratulations and gratitude for their "professional devotion and steadfast commitment" to community safety. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or alter policies.

Maddy summaryHB 153 requires Tennessee's Department of Transportation (DOT) to submit an annual report to relevant legislative committees by March 15 each year, starting in 2026. The report must summarize placards issued to manufactured home transporters and include data on unsafe or erratic driving incidents reported to the DOT using phone numbers displayed on those placards. This bill directly affects the DOT (as the reporting entity), manufactured home transporters (who use the placards), and the House Transportation Committee and Senate Transportation and Safety Committee (as recipients). The bill does not change transportation rules but mandates transparent data collection on driving safety related to mobile home transport.