Rep. Sam McKenzie

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HJR 848) honors the memory of Randy Tyree, a former Knoxville mayor and public servant who passed away. It recognizes his life of service, including his work as a police commissioner, his role in bringing the 1982 World's Fair to Knoxville, and his community leadership. The resolution contains no policy changes or mechanisms - it is a formal tribute to Tyree's legacy, adopted by the Tennessee General Assembly to extend condolences to his family.

Maddy summaryHB 1052 requires Tennessee's Comptroller of the Treasury (specifically its Office of Research and Education Accountability) to annually report detailed data about students using the state's education freedom scholarship program. The report must include the total number of scholarship recipients, how many have used the program for two or more years, how many previously attended public schools, and how many were first-time eligible users. This data must be submitted to the Tennessee General Assembly by October 30 each year, starting in 2025. The bill does not change the scholarship program's rules but mandates regular transparency reporting for legislative oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 2441 would redirect 2% of revenue from Tennessee's sports gaming tax to programs supporting rural and urban at-risk youth. It amends tax law to reduce the general fund allocation from 80% to 78% of the privilege tax, creating a dedicated 2% funding stream for these youth programs. The Department of Economic and Community Development would administer the funds using existing resources. This bill is pending in committee as of February 2026 and would take effect July 1, 2026 if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 2433 exempts books priced at $100 or less per item from Tennessee's annual sales tax holiday, directly affecting consumers purchasing affordable books (including textbooks and workbooks) and retailers selling them. The bill amends Tennessee's tax code to add "books under $100" to the list of exempt items during the tax holiday, while clarifying that newspapers, magazines, and periodicals remain taxable. It also updates definitions to specify that "books" include nonfiction, fiction, and educational materials but exclude periodicals. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 2440 requires Tennessee's TACIR (Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations) to study all state marijuana arrests from 2015 to 2025. The study must collect demographic details (race, age, gender) and arrest locations, using existing state resources. TACIR must submit a report with findings and recommendations to legislative committees by January 31, 2027. This bill does not change marijuana laws but mandates a data review to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 637) honoring Yuqi Wang, the 2025 valedictorian of L&N STEM Academy in Tennessee. It formally commends her academic achievements, including her high grade point average and extracurricular involvement, and expresses the General Assembly's respect for her accomplishments. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes; it is a non-binding tribute to recognize her success. It was approved by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on April 29, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Javen Blanks, the 2025 valedictorian of Austin-East Magnet High School, for his academic achievements. It is a ceremonial resolution recognizing his high school accomplishments and exemplary academic record. The resolution has no policy impact, funding provisions, or legal effect - it solely expresses commendation from Tennessee's General Assembly. As a procedural memorial resolution, it does not affect any laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryHJR 638 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Jacob Anderson, the 2025 salutatorian of L&N STEM Academy in Tennessee. It formally commends his academic achievements, including his high GPA and extracurricular involvement, as recognized by his school. The resolution was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the governor, expressing official recognition of his accomplishments. This resolution directly affects Jacob Anderson by publicly acknowledging his academic success. It does not create new laws or policies, but serves as a formal tribute to an individual student.

Maddy summaryHJR 625 is a ceremonial resolution commending Alex Nelson for his service as a legislative intern assisting Representative Sam McKenzie during Tennessee's 2025 legislative session. It recognizes his academic achievements (political science major at UT Martin), leadership roles in fraternities, and contributions to the legislative process. The resolution was passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor on April 29, 2025, as a formal expression of appreciation. This is a non-binding commemorative measure with no policy changes or direct effects on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 636 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Al'isha Roach, the 2025 salutatorian of Austin-East Magnet High School, for her academic achievements. The resolution commends her exemplary grade point average, participation in extracurricular activities, and dedication to excellence during her high school career. It does not create new laws or affect policy, as it is a formal expression of praise from the legislature. The resolution was signed by both chambers and the Governor on April 29, 2025.