Rep. Bud Hulsey

Maddy summaryHB 2612 requires Tennessee driver license staff to ask applicants at the time of application or renewal whether they want a REAL ID-compliant license (meeting federal security standards) or a non-REAL ID-compliant license. Applicants must receive a printed document explaining the different document requirements, acceptable uses (like domestic air travel), alternatives (such as a passport), and technology differences between the two license types. This makes REAL ID compliance optional for all applicants without changing federal requirements, and staff must process non-REAL ID applications if chosen. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1372 removes the killing of another committed during certain crimes (like robbery or burglary) from the definition of first-degree murder in Tennessee law. It also deletes two specific criminal responsibility provisions that allowed prosecutors to charge individuals for facilitating felonies or being an accomplice. These changes would directly affect prosecutors, defendants, and courts by altering how violent crimes are classified and prosecuted. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee’s criminal code (including Titles 39 and 40) to simplify these legal definitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally recognizes Grace Bonecutter on the occasion of her retirement from the Tennessee General Assembly. It honors her long career as a legislative assistant, noting her work with various representatives and committees over the years. The resolution expresses appreciation for her service and wishes her well in her retirement, but it does not create any new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution that formally recognizes Grace Bonecutter on the occasion of her retirement from the Tennessee General Assembly. It honors her nearly two decades of service as a legislative employee, noting her previous roles in the Division of Elections and her work with multiple representatives and committees. The resolution expresses appreciation for her professional contributions and wishes her well in her future endeavors.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the city charter of Kingsport, Tennessee, to update several administrative and operational procedures for local government. It changes how a vice-mayor is selected, allowing the city board to choose a member to act as mayor during absences or vacancies. The bill also adjusts the timeline for issuing tax collection warrants and removes a requirement to publish tentative budget proposals in a newspaper. Additionally, it shifts the start date for elected school board members from July 1 to September 1, while keeping vacancy fill procedures unchanged. These changes affect city officials, taxpayers, and school board members by modifying specific rules for governance and fiscal management.

Maddy summaryHB 2038 defines gold and silver coins as legal tender in Tennessee, meaning they can be used to pay debts within the state. The bill prohibits anyone from forcing another person to accept these coins as payment, unless specifically agreed upon or required by law. This affects all individuals, businesses, and government entities in Tennessee who might encounter disputes over using gold or silver coins for transactions. The law establishes the coins' legal status while preventing coercion in their acceptance.

Maddy summaryHB 447 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to create an annual report tracking how many inmates earned sentence reduction credits (which shorten prison time). The report must detail these numbers and be submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee and the relevant House committee on criminal sentencing. This bill amends specific sections of Tennessee law (Titles 3, 4, 40, and 41) to establish this reporting requirement. The change directly affects state corrections officials and provides lawmakers with data on sentence credit usage.

Maddy summaryHB 372, the "Tennessee Medicaid Modernization and Access Act of 2025," aligns TennCare’s reimbursement rates for key healthcare services - obstetrics/gynecology, primary care, outpatient mental health, and substance use disorder treatment - with either the Medicare fee schedule or average commercial rates in Tennessee, whichever is higher. This change directly affects healthcare providers who serve Medicaid patients and Medicaid beneficiaries, particularly in rural and underserved areas, by ensuring providers receive fairer compensation. The bill requires annual reviews to update rates based on Medicare or commercial benchmarks and mandates new annual reports on fiscal impacts and access improvements. It does not automatically appropriate funds but requires future budget allocations to cover implementation costs.

Maddy summaryHJR 182 is a symbolic resolution designating June 2025 as "Nuclear Family Month" in Tennessee. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the concept of a nuclear family (defined as a married couple with biological, adopted, or fostered children) as aligned with Tennessee's traditional values. The resolution passed the House unanimously (72-18) but remains pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee. As a procedural measure, it has no direct legal effect on individuals or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2613, the "Tennessee Ballot Access Act," defines "natural born citizen" for federal office eligibility, specifically targeting candidates for president or vice president. It states a "natural born citizen" must be born to U.S. citizen parents (not naturalized citizens), referencing historical interpretation of the U.S. Constitution's Article II. The bill mandates this definition for ballot access, requiring candidates to meet this standard to be listed on Tennessee ballots for federal offices. It does not affect state elections or other offices, focusing solely on federal presidential/vice-presidential candidates. The bill is currently pending review by the Elections & Campaign Finance Subcommittee.