Rep. Michele Carringer

Maddy summaryHB 2308 amends Tennessee boating law to require jet boats carrying passengers for hire to maintain a minimum distance of 75 feet from docks or boat ramps before exceeding no-wake speed, increasing the current requirement from 50 feet. This directly affects commercial jet boat operators in Tennessee, such as tour or taxi services navigating near shorelines and public access points. The bill updates Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 69, Section 69-9-218(a)(3), to implement this distance change for safety near water access areas. The amendment applies to both public and private docks and boat ramps statewide.

Maddy summaryHB 2307 allows crematory facilities in Tennessee to provide electronic receipts instead of paper receipts to individuals delivering human remains for cremation. This change directly affects crematory operators (who issue receipts) and the people delivering bodies or body parts to these facilities. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections to update the requirement from "written" receipts to "written or electronic" receipts. It is a procedural change with no new policy requirements or cost implications.

Maddy summaryHB 1117 creates a new pathway for individuals to obtain an alternative license to serve as a principal, assistant principal, or instructional supervisor in Tennessee schools, without requiring prior teaching experience. It directly affects candidates with an advanced degree in education or human development, at least three years of leadership experience in public schools, charter schools, private schools, or postsecondary institutions, and a passing score on a required assessment. The license is valid for four years (non-renewable) and automatically qualifies holders for a full instructional leader license after four years, regardless of standard requirements. This policy change aims to expand leadership recruitment options while maintaining specific experience and assessment standards.

Maddy summaryHJR 885 is a memorial resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Charles Maxwell "Charlie" Severance, a Knox County resident and former Tennessee State Representative. The resolution recognizes his public service - including his work as Assistant Commissioner of State Parks and his dedication to community initiatives - and commemorates his legacy of integrity and family values. It extends condolences to his family, including his wife of 66 years and multiple descendants, without creating any new laws or policy changes. This ceremonial resolution serves as a formal tribute to his life and contributions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 793), not a policy bill. It formally honors Thomas Hayes "Tommy" Schumpert, a former Knox County mayor (1994-2002), educator, and community leader who served Knox County for decades. The resolution commemorates his life, including his work as a high school coach, his tenure as county mayor overseeing infrastructure and parks, his role in a nonprofit providing education scholarships, and his lifelong service to his church and family. It expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family and recognizes his legacy, with no legislative impact or new policy changes.

Maddy summaryHJR 740 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Dogwood Arts for its 70th anniversary. It recognizes the organization's founding in 1955, its annual events like the Dogwood Arts Festival and Bazillion Blooms campaign, and its contributions to arts, environmental stewardship, and East Tennessee's cultural economy over seven decades. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it simply expresses the General Assembly's commendation through formal recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 2310 requires healthcare provider regulatory authorities in Tennessee to report quarterly to the Department of Health the number and type of disciplinary actions taken against providers who knowingly perform or offer prohibited medical procedures on minors. This applies specifically to disciplinary actions under existing laws governing prohibited procedures for minors, as amended in Titles 63 and 68 of Tennessee Code. The bill establishes a new reporting mechanism to increase transparency around disciplinary measures for violations involving minors' healthcare.

Maddy summaryHB 2282 allows Tennessee state employees who are foster parents or kinship caregivers to take up to five paid workdays annually for court appearances or counseling sessions related to a foster child's placement. It directly affects full-time state employees with at least 12 months of service at eligible state entities, such as agencies listed in Tennessee Code. The bill creates a new leave category that does not count against existing sick or annual leave and aligns with federal Family and Medical Leave Act requirements. This policy change ensures caregivers can address foster care needs without using other accrued leave.

Maddy summaryHB 641, the "Savannah Grace Copeland Act," requires Tennessee to increase funding for child advocacy centers whenever state funding for child protective services grows. Specifically, it mandates that 75% of any increase in child protective services funding must be allocated to child advocacy center contracts starting July 2026. The bill sets specific base funding amounts: $127,855.98 for full centers and $85,000 per forensic interviewer. These centers, which serve over 32,000 children annually with services like forensic interviews and mental health support, directly benefit from this policy change. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, but requires separate annual appropriations to implement the funding adjustments.

Maddy summaryHJR 705 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Costas "Gus" Brinias, a Knoxville restaurateur and community member who passed away. The resolution formally commemorates his life, highlighting his service as a Greek immigrant, owner of Gus's Restaurant and The Original Louis Drive-In, and dedication to family and Saint George Greek Orthodox Church. It has no policy provisions or legal effect - it simply expresses the Tennessee General Assembly’s tribute to his legacy. This resolution was signed by the Governor on May 7, 2025, as a memorial gesture with no direct impact on legislation or constituents.