Rep. Andrew Farmer

Maddy summaryHB 2494 increases base salaries for Tennessee judges and justices starting September 1, 2030, affecting all trial, appellate, and supreme court judges. It establishes new salary tiers: supreme court chief justices receive class 1 official pay (with associates $5,000 less), appellate judges get $7,500 less than associates, and chancellors/circuit judges get $10,000 less than appellate judges. The bill also revises how general sessions judge salaries are calculated by reducing county classifications from seven to five population-based tiers (e.g., Class 1 for counties over 49,000 people) and requires counties to adopt a two-thirds resolution to mandate full-time judicial service. These changes apply to all judges in the specified courts and counties on or after the effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 1964 reclassifies Tennessee counties into five population-based classes (from over 49,000 residents down to 15,000 or less) to determine salaries for general sessions and juvenile judges starting September 1, 2030. It establishes new minimum salary requirements for these judges and creates a county litigation tax on civil, criminal, juvenile, and traffic cases to fund the salaries. The bill ensures judges' salaries won't decrease if a county's population drops after election, but can increase if population rises. This affects all Tennessee counties and their judicial systems through the new funding mechanism and classification rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1962 creates a strong presumption against granting probation to defendants convicted of aggravated assault involving a firearm. Specifically, if a defendant used or displayed a firearm during the assault (as defined under Tennessee law), the court must assume they are not suitable for probation unless the defendant proves otherwise. This rule applies to all aggravated assault convictions under § 39-13-102 and takes effect July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of firearm-related aggravated assault by making probation significantly harder to obtain.

Maddy summaryHB 2501 is a procedural bill that amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16, by changing the deadline for a judicial districts advisory task force to submit its report. Specifically, it delays the submission date from January 1, 2027, to January 15, 2027. The bill does not alter the task force's responsibilities or create new policies; it only adjusts the timeline for an existing reporting requirement. This change affects the task force's schedule but does not directly impact citizens or change judicial district boundaries.

Maddy summaryHB 154 deletes an outdated provision (TCA § 49-6-308) from Tennessee’s education code that related to a parent-teacher engagement pilot program ending after the 2020-2021 school year. The bill removes this obsolete section, which no longer applied, from state law. It does not create new requirements or affect any current programs or individuals. This is a procedural cleanup to eliminate redundant legal language. The bill is currently pending committee referral.

Maddy summaryHB 1969 changes how mobile homes used as permanent residences are taxed in Tennessee. It revises the definition of "movable structure" to require that mobile homes classified as residential must be used *permanently* as a home, not temporarily or for commercial purposes. This affects mobile home owners and local tax assessors, as it prevents mobile homes used as primary residences from being taxed under temporary or commercial classifications. The rule applies to tax years starting January 1, 2026, altering property assessment practices for these properties.

Maddy summaryHB 493 changes Tennessee's civil court process for guardianship and conservatorship cases by extending the deadline for holding a required hearing from 60 days to 90 days after the respondent is served or a guardian ad litem is appointed. This applies directly to individuals or families petitioning the court to appoint a guardian or conservator for someone who needs legal protection. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 34-1-108(a) to implement this 90-day timeline, which aims to provide more time for court preparation. The change affects all Tennessee courts handling such cases under the referenced code sections.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 772), not a substantive bill. It honors Dr. Mitchell Whaley, the Sevier County School System's 2025-2026 Principal of the Year, for his 20+ years of service in the district, including roles as an English teacher, vice principal, and currently principal of Sevier County High School. The resolution formally congratulates him, recognizes his dedication to student success and community collaboration, and commends his leadership. It passed unanimously in both chambers and is now with the Governor for final action. As a memorial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy impact.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 773 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Dr. Hans Ballew for being named Sevier County School System Supervisor of the Year for 2025-2026. It recognizes his 20+ years of service in the Sevier County School System, including roles as a teacher, administrator, and currently as Supervisor of K-6 Science and Social Studies. The resolution passed unanimously in both chambers (31-0) and was transmitted to the governor for final approval. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or legal effect - it serves solely to formally commend Dr. Ballew’s professional contributions to education.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 770), not a law. It formally honors Brooke White, a Sevier County School System 5th-8th grade math and science teacher, for being named the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. The resolution recognizes her 10+ years of teaching, community service (like fundraising for nonprofits), pandemic-era curriculum development, and professional achievements. It has no binding effect or policy change; it simply expresses the General Assembly's commendation. The resolution passed unanimously and was signed into effect.