Rep. Jason Zachary

Maddy summaryHB 2198, the "DEI Compliance Certification Act," requires Tennessee state departments, agencies, and public universities to annually report and certify compliance with state laws prohibiting specific diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. It defines DEI broadly to include policies based on concepts like race or sex superiority, historical racism, or mandatory identity-based discrimination, and mandates that agencies remove such practices. Each state entity must submit a January 31 report detailing DEI removal efforts and provide a sworn certification of compliance to the governor and legislature. Failure to comply risks funding loss, reorganization, or termination, with enforcement handled by the Attorney General through annual investigations and reports.

Maddy summaryHB 132 amends Tennessee law to require that governor-declared emergencies must not violate constitutional rights and to give the General Assembly the power to terminate or extend such emergencies through a joint resolution. If the legislature is not in session, a special legislative council composed of top leaders from both chambers can extend the emergency for up to 30 days by majority vote. The bill also limits the maximum duration of any emergency to 30 days without renewal by the legislature or the council. These changes directly affect how state emergencies are managed, ensuring legislative oversight and constitutional compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 377 prohibits Tennessee colleges and universities from making decisions about admissions, scholarships, financial aid, or employment based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin. It bans institutions from using applicant or student race/ethnicity data in decisions (including aggregated data), requires them to notify people of these prohibitions, and mandates that such data not be shared with decision-makers before evaluations. The bill establishes private lawsuits for violations, allowing victims to seek $4,000 in statutory damages plus actual or punitive damages, along with injunctive relief. It directly affects all Tennessee public and private four-year higher education institutions (excluding those governed by the Board of Regents).

Maddy summaryHB 1410 repeals the Tennessee Technology Development Authority Act (Chapter 148 of the 1983 Private Acts), which established a state-level authority for tech corridor development. The bill requires Knox County's legislative body to approve the repeal by a two-thirds vote before it takes effect; without this approval, the existing authority remains in place. If approved, the repeal would dissolve the state-level authority, shifting responsibility to Knox County for future tech corridor development. The bill becomes effective upon Knox County's approval and statewide enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1237 prohibits excluding individuals from membership on Tennessee's state regulatory and health-related boards based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin. It bans boards from using race-based policies (including affirmative action or racial quotas) to determine membership composition and removes requirements that appointing authorities ensure racial minority representation on certain boards. The bill allows private lawsuits for violations, with a minimum $4,000 statutory penalty per violation, and waives state sovereign immunity for such cases. It became effective April 24, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) honoring Donald Dodgen, athletic director at Farragut High School, for his induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame. It recognizes his nearly 60 years of service in Tennessee high school sports, including a 38-year coaching career with 655 wins and his role overseeing 13 state championships as an athletic director. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely serves to formally commend Dodgen for his contributions to Tennessee high school athletics. It was unanimously adopted by the Tennessee House of Representatives on April 10, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 375 requires all Tennessee local governments (counties, cities, and metropolitan governments) to document the justification and cost basis for any fee exceeding $500. This documentation must be made publicly accessible upon request and undergo annual audit by the state comptroller of the treasury. The bill applies to departments, agencies, or officials that collect such fees, ensuring transparency in fee-setting. It aims to provide clear public accountability for high-cost local government fees through standardized documentation and oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 207 expands Tennessee's organized retail crime law to specifically criminalize using online marketplaces or social media to coordinate selling, bartering, or trading stolen merchandise for gain. It adds 10 new prohibited acts, including removing anti-shoplifting devices, interfering with fire alarms during thefts, returning stolen goods to retailers, and possessing 10+ fraudulently obtained access devices (like gift cards). The bill increases penalties for offenses involving weapons or property destruction by one classification. This law directly affects individuals coordinating organized theft and retailers impacted by such crimes, with effective date July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1236, the "Tennessee Health SNAP Act," would require Tennessee's Department of Human Resources to seek a federal waiver from the USDA to prohibit SNAP (food stamp) benefits from being used to purchase candy and soft drinks. If approved, this restriction would directly affect SNAP recipients in Tennessee who currently use benefits for these items. The bill mandates that the waiver request include public health justification, a plan for retailer system updates, recipient education on healthy alternatives, and a tracking system for spending and health data. It also requires annual reports to state leaders on the waiver status and impact. The bill is pending Senate action and would take effect July 1, 2025, if enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 374 requires that lawsuits seeking declaratory judgments or injunctions about the legality or constitutionality of government actions must be filed in Tennessee state court, not federal court. It directly affects individuals or groups challenging government actions by specifying the proper venue for such cases. The bill clarifies that state entities and officials retain all existing legal protections ("privileges and immunities") under state or federal law when facing these lawsuits. It also explicitly states that this law does not allow claims for monetary damages in such cases. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections related to causes of action (Title 1, Chapter 3 and Title 27, Chapter 1).