Maddy summaryHB 2608, the "PEEPS Act," regulates how Tennessee government agencies access historical location data (like cell phone or vehicle tracking records) to protect individual privacy. It requires government officials to obtain a search warrant for most access (except for specific exceptions like vehicle theft reports, emergencies, or traffic enforcement), prohibits sharing or selling this data to private companies, and mandates data destruction within 2-7 days unless preserved for a criminal case. Government entities must also encrypt stored data, maintain detailed access logs, and adopt security policies. This law directly affects all Tennessee government agencies and officials handling location data, while safeguarding the privacy of residents whose data is collected.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 2610, titled the "Restoring State Sovereignty Through Nullification Act," proposes a process for Tennessee's legislature to declare federal statutes, regulations, executive orders, or agency actions unconstitutional and null within the state. It claims such federal actions exceed constitutional limits - arguing only Congress holds lawmaking power under the U.S. Constitution - and would establish specific steps for the General Assembly to issue these nullification declarations. As a procedural measure, the bill does not directly affect residents but would create a state-level mechanism to challenge federal actions. The bill is currently under review by the State & Local Government Committee.
Maddy summaryHB 2609 amends Tennessee's digital driver license law to clarify that participants must report lost or stolen electronic devices to the Department of Safety, not to another entity. This change directly affects individuals enrolled in Tennessee's digital driver license system. The bill modifies the existing requirement to specify "to the department" in the reporting process, ensuring clear communication with the responsible agency. (Procedural bill; summary focuses on the specific legal clarification.)
Maddy summaryHB 2611 modifies Tennessee's Uniform Commercial Code to change which state law governs certain securities transactions. It replaces the current rule requiring application of the "local law of the securities intermediary's jurisdiction" with Tennessee law for transactions involving investment securities. Key changes include removing specific subsections, clarifying priority rules (so investors' claims get priority over creditors if funds are insufficient), and adjusting provisions for commodity contracts. This bill directly affects financial institutions and investors handling securities transactions within Tennessee, effective July 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 2607 limits annual property tax increases for Tennessee counties, cities, and other local taxing entities. It prevents total property tax revenue from exceeding the previous year's total plus 2%, excluding new construction or properties added to tax rolls. To exceed this 2% limit, local governments must hold a referendum requiring 60% voter approval, specify the funding purpose, and limit increases to four years. The bill applies to all local tax jurisdictions and would take effect July 1, 2026, if passed.
Maddy summaryHB 2039 prohibits requiring anyone to use programmable digital money (money with built-in transaction rules) for payments and bans issuers from denying transactions based on protected characteristics like political views, religion, gender, medical history, location, or business sector. It also requires issuers to provide written reasons for denied transactions within 90 days upon request. The bill defines "programmable money" as digital currency with automated transaction controls and designates violations as breaches of Tennessee’s Consumer Protection Act. This directly affects consumers, businesses, and digital payment issuers operating within Tennessee.
Maddy summaryHB 2037, the "Tennessee Just Compensation for Property Owners Act," would require Tennessee airport authorities to pay enhanced compensation when taking private property through eminent domain. The bill mandates 150% of the property's appraised value (based on two independent appraisals), plus reimbursement for relocation costs, business loss, and increased loan interest rates due to the taking. It specifically applies to airport authorities leasing property for private use, ensuring property owners receive more comprehensive compensation than current law provides. The bill also requires airport authorities to cover all costs for appraisals and relocation estimates.
Maddy summaryHB 445 updates Tennessee's process for restoring voting rights after felony convictions. It replaces vague language about "restoring citizenship rights" with specific requirements that voting rights must be restored "as prescribed by law" for each felony conviction. The bill explicitly bans voting rights restoration for certain serious offenses, including first-degree murder, aggravated rape, treason, and voter fraud (with expanded restrictions for some crimes after 2006). This affects individuals with felony convictions who previously had their voting rights restored through court orders or pardons. The law became effective on May 13, 2025, after becoming Public Chapter 298.
Maddy summaryHB 335 requires utility district board commissioners in Tennessee to serve without pay, but allows per diem payments of up to $500 per meeting for no more than 12 meetings annually, as approved by the board through a formal resolution. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee law (TCA Titles 2, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 66, and 67) to implement this compensation rule statewide. It directly affects all utility district board members across Tennessee, including those in Sullivan County. The key mechanism is a strict cap on both the number of paid meetings and the per-meeting payment rate, standardizing compensation for these local government positions.
Maddy summaryHB 731 requires the Tennessee One Health Committee to hold all its meetings publicly, making it subject to Tennessee's open meetings law. The bill amends state code to explicitly define this committee - composed of state agency representatives working on human, animal, and environmental health collaboration - as a "governing body" under the law. This means the committee must publicly announce meetings and allow public attendance, aligning its operations with transparency standards for other state bodies. The law took effect on April 24, 2025, directly affecting the committee and its members.