Rep. Bud Hulsey

Maddy summaryHB 439 creates a restricted account within Tennessee's existing "reserve for revenue fluctuations" to allow the state treasurer, with comptroller approval, to buy and sell precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, or palladium) using state funds. It requires an initial transfer of 1-3% of the reserve's balance to this account by July 2025, with annual adjustments based on the reserve's value. The state would directly own and securely store the metals, with all related transactions, gains, and losses separately tracked in the restricted account. The bill is pending committee review and would not change how the state manages its general revenue reserves beyond this specific investment mechanism.

Maddy summaryHB 440 allows Tennessee's state treasurer to contract with qualified private manufacturers to operate a designated "Tennessee Mint" facility. This facility would securely produce, store, process, and ship gold and precious metal bullion products for the state's depository, directly affecting the treasurer, eligible manufacturers meeting strict criteria (e.g., 50+ years in coin production), and residents purchasing state-backed bullion. The bill establishes specific requirements for "eligible entities" and mandates a formal agreement process under state procurement rules. It builds on prior legislation (2023) authorizing state gold bullion sales, focusing on secure production and distribution channels.

Maddy summaryHB 444 (Tennessee Property Rights Protection Act) redefines "blighted property" to require housing authorities to prove individual properties - not entire neighborhoods - meet specific safety code violations before using eminent domain. It deletes the broad "blighted areas" definition, preventing non-blighted properties from being targeted for condemnation, and mandates housing authorities give owners time to fix violations before acquisition. The bill also allows housing authorities to pay above fair market value for non-blighted properties in redevelopment zones through negotiated sales, without eminent domain. These changes aim to limit eminent domain use to truly blighted properties while preserving housing authority powers for redevelopment.

Maddy summaryHB 442 allows owners of antique emergency vehicles (like historic fire trucks or police cars that meet antique vehicle criteria) to use them for community events, such as school displays, fairs, festivals, and parades. It permits the installation and operation of era-appropriate emergency lights and sirens on these vehicles, provided they match the vehicle's manufacturing era. Owners must have written authorization from their local fire or police chief, carry it while operating the vehicle, and only use lights during approved events or parades on public/private property. This bill directly affects antique vehicle collectors and owners who participate in community activities.

Maddy summaryHB 1086 changes Tennessee's livestock health regulations by requiring the commissioner of agriculture and state veterinarian to get prior approval from the joint government operations committee before ordering animal vaccinations or tests. It removes a requirement that animal owners pay for disposing of dead animals and clarifies how indemnity payments (based on animal value) are calculated for animals destroyed under these rules. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 44-2-102 and 44-2-105 to implement these changes, directly affecting animal health officials, livestock owners, and those receiving compensation for destroyed animals.

Maddy summaryHB 443 amends Tennessee's Uniform Commercial Code to change the governing law for certain financial transactions from the law of the securities intermediary's location to Tennessee law. This affects securities intermediaries (like banks and brokers) handling investment security and commodity transactions within the state, as well as the investors and creditors involved. Key provisions remove references to the intermediary's local jurisdiction, clarify that Tennessee law determines priority when an intermediary cannot cover all claims, and update related sections. The bill also deletes outdated subsections and adjusts provisions for commodity accounts. These changes will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 441, titled the "Restoring State Sovereignty Through Nullification Act," would establish a process for Tennessee's General Assembly to declare federal statutes, regulations, agency orders, or executive orders unconstitutional and make them unenforceable within the state. The bill requires the legislature to make specific findings based on the Tenth Amendment and the argument that federal actions exceed constitutional limits. If passed, this would allow Tennessee to refuse to enforce federal policies it deems unconstitutional, directly affecting how the state interacts with federal law. The bill focuses on creating a legislative mechanism for state-level nullification, not on specific federal policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1264 prohibits Tennessee state and local governments (including municipalities and school districts) from adopting or implementing policies that restrict private property rights without due process or constitutional protections, specifically when those policies originate from or are traceable to the United Nations, its subsidiaries, or other international policymaking organizations like the World Health Organization or World Economic Forum. The bill explicitly targets policies such as the UN's Agenda 21, the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and net-zero emissions plans. It bans state/local entities from entering agreements, spending funds, or providing aid to organizations promoting such policies, and allows private citizens to sue for violations with awards for attorney fees and damages. Violations could lead to criminal charges for "official oppression" and void contracts or policies found in conflict with the law.

Maddy summaryHJR 206 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Michael Ayers Wimberley for earning the Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts of America. It recognizes his specific achievements, including 36 merit badges, 116+ volunteer service hours, and his community-focused Eagle project building a lean-to at Exchange Place. The resolution, passed unanimously by Tennessee's legislature and signed by the Governor, formally congratulates him as an outstanding young person but does not create any new laws or policies. It directly affects only Michael Ayers Wimberley as a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 730, introduced in Tennessee (but later withdrawn), would have required the state agriculture commissioner and veterinarian to obtain prior approval from a joint legislative committee before ordering animal vaccinations or tests - except during declared emergencies. It also removed liability from animal owners for disposing of dead animals and clarified how compensation payments (indemnities) would be calculated for animals destroyed under state authority. The bill aimed to change oversight of animal health measures while adjusting financial responsibilities for owners and officials. Note: The bill was filed but withdrawn on February 5, 2025, and did not become law.