Rep. Sam McKenzie

Maddy summaryHB 2439 establishes new rules for law enforcement use of oral-fluid testing in DUI cases. It requires officers to use only approved devices, document specific driving-related reasons for testing (not general suspicion), and complete quality checks before each use. The bill mandates that screening results cannot be used as evidence in court or for license suspension without a confirmatory lab test conducted by an accredited facility. It also requires agencies to preserve samples for independent retesting and disclose all relevant records to defendants. This bill directly affects police officers conducting DUI investigations, defendants in DUI cases, and laboratories performing confirmatory tests.

Maddy summaryHB 778 requires Tennessee's Office of Research and Education Accountability (OREA) to study and recommend an incentive program for educators with 15 or more years of experience in public schools. The bill mandates OREA to submit its findings and recommendations to the education committees of both legislative chambers by December 31, 2025. This is a procedural bill focused solely on directing a study - no new incentives or funding are created by the bill itself. It directly affects educators with significant experience but does not implement any new benefits or policies. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 8 and 49 to establish this study requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 1053 would allow people in Tennessee who lost voting rights due to unpaid child support to temporarily regain voting rights by entering a payment plan for outstanding child support debts. It replaces a rule requiring full payment of all child support with a new option for provisional voting rights restoration through a court-approved payment plan. If someone fails to follow the payment plan, a court must provide legal counsel and allow them to present evidence of financial hardship before revoking voting rights. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, applying to new voter registration applications after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 2435 clarifies that the Age-Appropriate Materials Act of 2022 does not apply to materials in the Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL). The bill amends state law to explicitly state that the Act's requirements do not cover the TEL's digital resources, including e-books and research databases. This exemption ensures the TEL, which provides free online materials to all Tennessee residents, remains unaffected by the Act's age-appropriate standards. The bill only affects the TEL and does not change how the Act applies to other libraries or materials.

Maddy summaryHJR 1032 is a Tennessee House Joint Resolution honoring Wesley Hazen Rucker, a Knoxville sports journalist who covered University of Tennessee athletics for over two decades. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to Rucker's family and recognizes his career spanning print, radio, digital, and television media, including work with 247Sports and WBIR-TV. It commemorates his contributions to journalism, mentorship of younger reporters, and community values without creating new laws or policies. This memorial resolution passed unanimously (94-0) in the House on March 2, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2434 prevents local school boards and public charter school governing bodies from removing library materials while they are under evaluation for appropriateness. The bill directly affects school libraries and the materials they carry, requiring that materials remain accessible during the review process. It mandates that removal can only occur after a formal determination is made about whether the material is suitable for students' age, maturity, and the school's educational mission. This applies whether the evaluation is conducted by the local board, the school's governing body, or the state textbook commission. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHJR 978 is a commemorative resolution honoring Diane Jordan, Knox County's first Black woman to serve on the Knox County Commission (1994-2007). The resolution formally memorializes her legacy, recognizing her decades of public service, advocacy against police brutality, work in economic development, and community leadership after her political career. It specifically acknowledges her roles as a commissioner, her community board memberships, and her personal impact, including her 125+ hat collection. The resolution extends condolences to her family and commemorates her life as a testament to service and perseverance.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 931) honoring Lois Goins LeFlore for celebrating her 100th birthday. It recognizes her life as an educator, community leader, and family matriarch through the Tennessee General Assembly's formal tribute. The resolution contains no policy changes or legal effects - it is purely symbolic, expressing goodwill and appreciation for her contributions. It does not directly affect any laws, regulations, or individuals beyond the honor itself.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Austin-East High School in Knoxville for achieving Tennessee's highest academic growth rating (TVAAS Level 5) in the 2024-2025 school year, recognizing its record-breaking student performance across all subjects. It directly celebrates the school's administration, faculty, staff, students, and parents for this milestone in student growth. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally commends the school's academic excellence.

Maddy summaryHJR 926 is a symbolic resolution congratulating Lonsdale Elementary School in Knoxville for exiting Tennessee's "priority school" list after demonstrating sustained academic improvement. It directly recognizes the school's administration, faculty, staff, students, and parents for achieving steady progress in student achievement and growth. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it is purely a ceremonial gesture of praise, with no new requirements or changes to education law. This procedural resolution passed unanimously (32-0) in both chambers and was transmitted to the governor for final action.