Rep. Andrew Farmer

Maddy summaryHB 491 amends Tennessee law to add Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. to a list of companies that can be released from pending or future opioid-related claims by the attorney general. This changes two sections of Tennessee law (Title 20 and Title 33) to replace references to "The Kroger Co." with the new company names, affecting how these specific pharmaceutical firms may resolve legal claims. The bill does not create new liability but modifies existing release provisions for opioid-related cases. It directly impacts these three companies and the legal process for handling their opioid claims.

Maddy summaryHB 1180 allows adoptive parents seeking to adopt multiple siblings (who share at least one biological parent) to file a single adoption petition instead of separate ones, unless a court orders otherwise for the children's best interest. It directly affects adoptive parents and courts handling sibling adoption cases in Tennessee. The bill requires courts to issue a written finding if separate petitions are needed and mandates that clerks charge only one filing fee for the combined petition. This simplifies the process and reduces costs for families adopting multiple related children.

Maddy summaryHB 1129 lifts existing restrictions on temporary borrow pits used for road construction in counties affected by Hurricane Helene. It specifically applies to projects in FEMA-certified counties (declared between September 26-October 3, 2024) under state contracts for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The bill exempts these temporary borrow pits from standard rules governing borrow pit use, allowing contractors to source construction materials more flexibly during recovery work. This change directly affects state contractors working on road projects in the designated disaster counties, streamlining material sourcing for infrastructure repair. The exemption is limited to temporary pits used solely for Helene recovery road projects and does not alter broader environmental regulations.

Maddy summaryHJR 579 is a ceremonial resolution commending Alexis Bartlett for her service as a legislative intern during Tennessee's 2025 legislative session. It specifically recognizes her work supporting Representative Andrew Farmer and the House Judiciary Committee, as well as her contributions to multiple House subcommittees. The resolution highlights her academic achievements at Tennessee State University and her volunteer activities. This resolution has no policy impact - it serves solely to honor Bartlett's contributions and does not create new laws or affect any legislation.

Maddy summaryHJR 392 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Pam Oakes, a fifth-grade science and social studies teacher at Piedmont Elementary School in Jefferson County. It formally recognizes her selection as both the 2024-2025 Jefferson County Schools District Level Teacher of the Year and Piedmont Elementary School Teacher of the Year. The resolution highlights her 18-year career, student achievement metrics, and dedication to innovative teaching. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply expresses the Tennessee General Assembly’s formal appreciation for her work.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 391 honors Leslie Vines, a K-5 ESL teacher at Jefferson Elementary School in Jefferson County, for being named the 2024-2025 Jefferson County Schools District Level Teacher of the Year and Jefferson Elementary School Teacher of the Year. The resolution, passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor, formally recognizes her 16 years of dedicated service and professional achievements in education.

Maddy summaryHJR 393 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Lani O'Connor, a Jefferson County High School teacher, for being named Jefferson County Schools District Level Teacher of the Year and Jefferson County High School Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025. The resolution formally recognizes her 14 years of teaching, dedication to students, and professional achievements. It does not create any new laws or policies, as it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly. The resolution was signed into law by the Governor on April 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 531 requires Tennessee public schools and charter schools to teach students age-appropriate skills for safely accessing, using, and critically evaluating artificial intelligence tools starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill mandates the state Department of Education to create implementation guidance covering basic AI concepts, practical applications, responsible usage, tool access, and critical thinking skills. It also directs the department to offer AI-focused professional development for educators, contingent on available funding. This bill directly affects K-12 students, teachers, and school districts by integrating AI literacy into existing curricula through state-provided resources.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors Lindsay Whitted, a third-grade teacher at Seymour Primary School in Sevier County, for being named the 2024-2025 Sevier County School System Pre-K-4 Teacher of the Year. It recognizes her 10 years of teaching, dedication to innovative classroom methods, and commitment to supporting students' academic and personal growth. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply serves as a formal expression of appreciation from Tennessee's General Assembly. It was signed by the House Speaker, Senate Speaker, and Governor in February 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 200 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Misti DeGroot, a Sevier County School System 5th-8th grade math teacher and athletic director, for being named the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. The resolution formally recognizes her work creating the "Math Madness" program, her dedication to student well-being beyond academics, and her extracurricular leadership. This resolution has no policy impact - it serves only to publicly commend her service to students and the community. It was passed unanimously by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor.