Rep. Tommy Stinnett

Maddy summaryHB 1525 requires Tennessee courts to impose consecutive sentences for defendants convicted of two or more offenses involving more than one minor victim, unless the court finds by a preponderance of evidence that consecutive sentencing isn't warranted and would harm justice. It directly affects defendants convicted of multiple crimes against minors, such as sexual offenses or abuse across separate incidents. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 40, Section 40-35-115, making consecutive sentencing the default for these cases. Exceptions are limited to specific judicial findings about case facts and the "best interest of justice," not general discretion. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, for offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHJR 1532 is a House Joint Resolution that honors the memory of Charles Dwight Bailey, a respected educator and Baptist minister from East Tennessee. The bill formally recognizes his life's work in teaching, coaching, and leading churches, as well as his contributions to his community and family. It expresses the General Assembly's sympathy to Bailey's family and directs that a copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation to him. This is a commemorative measure with no changes to laws or public policy.

Maddy summaryHB 2398 allows high school students aged 15 to 19 to work in childcare centers during school hours (via work-based learning programs) or outside school hours, provided they’ve completed at least two courses in an education/training career cluster. It does not permit work in childcare centers located in a primary caregiver’s home. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections related to education, childcare licensing, and health to implement this change, effective July 1, 2026. This directly affects eligible students seeking work experience in childcare and childcare centers that may hire them under these conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 1526 renames the Army National Guard Armory on U.S. Highway 321 in Maryville, Tennessee, to the "William O. Gregory Army National Guard Armory" to honor Command Sergeant Major William Gregory. The bill commemorates his 41 years of service in the Tennessee Army National Guard, including roles as First Sergeant and Command Sergeant Major, before his retirement in 1992. It requires the Department of Military to install appropriate signage designating the armory with this new name. This is a commemorative act with no policy changes or direct impact on citizens or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 878 clarifies that when clerks of specific Tennessee courts fail to collect and pay privilege taxes on court litigation, the unpaid amount becomes a personal debt owed by the clerk, not the court. This directly affects clerks handling litigation in courts listed under Tennessee law (e.g., county or circuit courts). The bill amends state code to explicitly state that uncollected privilege taxes are the clerk’s financial obligation, shifting responsibility from the court system. It does not change tax rates or create new taxes, but ensures clerks are accountable for collected funds. The bill is procedural, focusing on clarifying existing tax collection responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 1538 increases penalties for knowingly flying drones over correctional facilities in Tennessee, raising the offense from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class C felony. The bill directly affects drone operators who fly unmanned aircraft near prisons, with correctional facility employees authorized to disable such drones without liability for damage. Key provisions include the felony penalty for violations and explicit protection for facilities/employees who disable drones operating over correctional property. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors the memory of Tom Greene, a longtime resident of Friendsville and dedicated public servant. The resolution recognizes Greene's extensive contributions to his community, including his 46-year career at Fort Loudon Electric, over 50 years of volunteer service with the Friendsville Volunteer Fire Department, and his work with the Blount County Community Action Agency. The text offers condolences to Greene's family and expresses appreciation for his character and lifelong commitment to serving others. The resolution serves as an official state acknowledgment of Greene's legacy rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1674 amends Tennessee law to require the state division of property assessments to supervise and direct all local property tax reassessment programs. This expands the division's current duties to include full oversight of every local property value reassessment effort. Local governments conducting property tax reassessments will now operate under the state division's direction. The bill does not change funding for these programs but clearly establishes the division's supervisory role in property valuation processes.

Maddy summaryHB 1732 creates a reference list compiling existing training requirements for Tennessee school staff, principals, and volunteers. It organizes current laws into categories based on frequency (annual, triennial, or required before specific actions) and includes training like de-escalation, child abuse prevention, and anti-bullying policies. The bill does not create new mandates but provides a single informational resource for school districts to reference compliance. It affects educators, administrators, and volunteers working directly with students across public schools and charter schools. The list is non-exhaustive and non-binding, meaning it doesn’t replace or alter existing training obligations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 918), not a policy bill. It formally honors Thomas William Taylor, a Maryville, Tennessee resident, on his 80th birthday. The resolution recognizes his community service - including his roles as Maryville mayor, library board chair, and founder of a senior ride-sharing program - but contains no policy changes or funding mechanisms. It directly affects only Thomas Taylor, as a symbolic tribute from the Tennessee General Assembly. The resolution was signed by both chambers and the governor in February 2026.