Rep. Andrew Farmer

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a joint resolution honoring the memory of Gary Odom Roach, a retired educator from Sevierville, Tennessee. The measure formally recognizes his contributions to the community and his long career in public education, including his tenure as the longest-serving principal in Sevier County High School history. By passing this resolution, the General Assembly expresses its condolences to Roach's family and acknowledges his legacy of service.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee House Joint Resolution honors the memory of Elaine Carver, a retired educator who taught for over 52 years in Georgia and Tennessee. The bill formally recognizes her long career in public education, particularly her 38-year tenure at New Center Elementary School in Sevier County, and expresses sympathy to her family and former students. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute to her professional contributions and personal character.

Maddy summaryHB 1965, the "Tennessee Child Care Hosting Safe Harbor Act," limits liability for employers and host entities (like businesses, schools, or nonprofits) that allow licensed child care providers to operate on their property. It shields these entities from civil lawsuits for injuries caused by the child care provider, unless the host entity was grossly negligent or acted with willful misconduct. The law clarifies that simply providing space, utilities, or financial support does not make the host responsible for managing the child care operation. This bill does not affect the child care provider's liability or limit legal actions against them directly.

Maddy summaryHB 1972 requires Tennessee's Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to study how ready state and local governments would be to support a medical marijuana program if one were approved. The study must examine implementation processes and operational readiness, and TACIR must report findings to the General Assembly by November 1, 2026. This bill does not create a medical marijuana program but assesses government preparedness for one, directly affecting state and local agencies that would manage such a program.

Maddy summaryHB 569 gives home buyers and borrowers in Tennessee the exclusive right to select their own closing agent (a company handling real estate transaction paperwork and funds) for property sales or loans. It prohibits sellers from forcing buyers to use a specific closing agent or tying contracts to such choices. Sellers may hire their own licensed attorney to represent them during closing - covering fee negotiations, document review, and deed preparation - but the chosen closing agent cannot charge the seller for services without the attorney’s written consent. The law applies to all Tennessee real estate transactions and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors and congratulates the Sevier County High School Bearettes girls' basketball team for winning the 2026 TSSAA Division I, Class 4A state championship. The resolution acknowledges the team's undefeated season and their dominant defensive performance throughout the tournament, which included victories over top-ranked opponents to claim the school's second state title. It also recognizes the contributions of the coaching staff, support personnel, and individual players who helped achieve this success. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not change any laws or policies but serves to publicly celebrate the team's athletic achievement.

Maddy summaryHB 1971 restricts lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of state laws by removing the right to seek declaratory or injunctive relief against state governmental actions. It specifically prohibits individuals from suing the state to invalidate statutes, while allowing such challenges against local governments (like cities, counties, or school districts). The bill maintains state sovereign immunity by ensuring no waiver of the state’s legal protection from lawsuits. It does not affect claims seeking monetary damages or challenges to local government actions.

Maddy summaryHJR 808 proposes amending Tennessee's constitution to explicitly require U.S. citizenship for voting in all state, county, and municipal elections. The bill would replace existing voting eligibility language with a provision stating only U.S. citizens meeting age, residency, and registration requirements may vote. It specifically prohibits non-citizens from voting in any election, including local offices, ballot measures, or referendums. This change would apply statewide to all elections covered under Tennessee's current voting rules. The resolution is currently under review by the Elections & Campaign Finance Subcommittee.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution formally recognizes Victoria Marie Grigsby for her work as a legislative intern for Representative Andrew Farmer and the House Judiciary Committee. The measure highlights her contributions during the 2026 session and acknowledges her educational background and prior leadership roles in student government. By passing this resolution, the General Assembly intends to commend her service and offer well wishes for her future endeavors.

Maddy summaryThis House Joint Resolution honors Maliyah Glasper of Gatlinburg-Pittman High School for being named the 2026 TSSAA Class 2A Miss Basketball. The measure formally recognizes her athletic achievements, including leading her team to multiple titles and averaging 18.7 points per game, as well as her academic record and character. It also notes her commitment to attend Tennessee Technological University to study psychology. The resolution serves as a commemorative tribute rather than establishing new laws or policies.