Rep. Michele Carringer

Maddy summaryHB 644 requires all hospitals licensed by Tennessee's health facilities commission or mental health department to annually report, on a form created by the Department of Health, the monthly count of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) working at each facility. This reporting applies to all qualifying hospitals and must include data for every month of the reporting year. The Department of Health will determine the specific form, reporting period, and submission deadlines. The bill amends multiple health-related code sections to implement this mandatory data collection requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 1116 creates a "crime stoppers trust fund" in Tennessee's state treasury by requiring a $10 additional fine on individuals convicted of felony or misdemeanor offenses. Courts collect this fine (keeping $3 per fine as a service charge) and send the remaining $7 monthly to the fund, which supports local crime stoppers programs. The fund provides grants to eligible 501(c)(3) crime stoppers organizations for public awareness, rewards for tips leading to arrests or recoveries (e.g., stolen property, weapons), and limited administrative costs (capped at 25% of grant funds). Funds are distributed based on where fines were collected, with one grant per county to support programs that aid law enforcement through public tip reporting.

Maddy summaryHB 642 changes the deadline for the Alcoholic Beverage Commission's annual report. It moves the filing date from March 1 to February 15 each year for the executive director to submit the report on prior-year rules to legislative committees. This is a procedural adjustment affecting the Commission's reporting schedule under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 57. The bill does not alter beverage regulations or impact businesses.

Maddy summaryHB 1119 requires Tennessee's Attorney General to annually report by March 1 to the Senate and House Speakers on violations of a prohibition against medical procedures for minors that are inconsistent with the minor's sex or to treat gender dysphoria. The report must include the number of violations reported, actions taken against healthcare providers, and civil penalties collected from enforcement. This bill adds a transparency requirement for existing restrictions but does not change the underlying prohibition on such medical procedures. The reporting applies only to violations reported to the Attorney General under current law.

Maddy summaryHB 1115 requires the Tennessee Wine and Grape Board to coordinate with wineries statewide to develop a coordinated wine trail. This bill directly affects the Wine and Grape Board and Tennessee wineries by mandating collaboration to create a unified statewide wine tourism route. The key provision amends Tennessee law to add this coordination duty under the board's existing responsibilities. The bill does not change alcohol regulations or impose new fees, focusing solely on facilitating a tourism initiative through interwinery coordination.

Maddy summaryHB 643 requires Tennessee's Commissioner of Health to create programs improving dental access in rural and underserved areas, directly affecting residents in those communities. Key provisions include partnering with dental schools, upgrading clinics, offering provider incentives, supporting senior dental care, and using technology to expand services. All programs must first get approval from the Commissioner of Finance and Administration. The bill explicitly states it does not allocate funds - any spending would require separate legislative appropriations.

Maddy summaryHB 639 would extend the deadline for law enforcement officers to file a written statement with the county court clerk after seizing illegal alcohol, changing the current five-day limit to ten days. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 57, Section 57-9-104, directly affecting officers who confiscate illicit intoxicating liquors and county court clerks who process these filings. This procedural change provides additional time for officers to complete required paperwork without altering enforcement standards. The adjustment applies only to the timeline for submitting statements, with no other policy changes included.

Maddy summaryHJR 47 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Savannah Grace Copeland, a 13-year-old Knoxville student who passed away. It commemorates her life, highlighting her academic achievements, artistic talents, involvement in sports (gymnastics, karate, cheerleading), and plans to study forensic anthropology. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's sympathy to her family and formally honors her memory as a cherished daughter, sister, and community member. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is solely a commemorative gesture for her family and community.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state public health laws to require the health commissioner to send electronic copies of certain reports to the governor and both legislative leaders. It directly affects the state health department by changing how and to whom specific health data must be shared. The change is a procedural update to existing reporting requirements rather than a new policy on healthcare services.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Tennessee laws regarding the special licenses available to international medical school graduates. It requires these doctors to complete a one-year post-graduate training program approved by the American Medical Association or its successor as part of their licensing requirements. The change also clarifies that graduates must hold licensure under specific existing subsections to qualify for this special license. These rules became effective on July 1, 2024, and apply directly to foreign-trained physicians seeking to practice in Tennessee.