Rep. Lowell Russell

Maddy summaryHB 1817 requires commercial drivers in Tennessee to demonstrate sufficient English language skills to read, speak, understand traffic signs, communicate with officials, and complete reports - aligning with federal rules (49 CFR 391.11(b)(2)). If an enforcement officer determines during a safety inspection that a driver cannot meet these requirements, they must issue an out-of-service order, and the driver’s commercial license may be suspended until they pass a state-administered English proficiency test. Employers face a $500 fine for violations (classified as a Class C misdemeanor), though exemptions apply for drivers with hearing-related exemptions documented under federal rules. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 55-50-403, 55-50-405, and 65-15-111 to implement these requirements, with full enforcement scheduled for January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors four individuals for their heroic actions during an emergency at Kefauver Park. It specifically commends Dustin Frank, Brian Fernandez, Anthony Blackwell, and Terry McConkey for rescuing a city employee trapped under a lawnmower in a pond on April 14, 2026. The resolution recognizes their coordinated efforts, which included pulling the victim from the water and performing CPR until emergency medical services arrived. As a commemorative measure, the bill directs the state to present a copy of this resolution to the individuals as a recognition of their lifesaving deeds.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors Doug Gunnels on the occasion of his retirement from the Tennessee Department of Transportation. The resolution recognizes his fourteen-year career as a liaison to the General Assembly and acknowledges his previous service as a state representative. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as an official commendation of his public service record.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors Graham Tudor, a liaison for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, for his act of heroism. It recognizes Tudor for his quick thinking on April 5, 2026, when he helped break a car window to rescue a trapped person after a two-car crash. The resolution commends his courage and resourcefulness but does not change any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors Dustin Frank, Brian Fernandez, Anthony Blackwell, and Terry McConkey for their heroic actions during an emergency at Kefauver Park. The resolution acknowledges how these individuals, including city employees, a bystander, and work-release inmates, rescued a city worker trapped under an overturned lawnmower in a pond. It recognizes their coordinated efforts to pull the victim from the water and perform CPR, which ultimately saved his life. The measure serves as an official commendation rather than changing laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1815 allows jails to refuse accepting arrestees who require medical attention and were arrested for a non-violent misdemeanor (not a crime against a person). The arresting agency must arrange for a healthcare provider to evaluate the person and obtain a release form confirming they no longer need medical care or can be confined. If the healthcare provider provides this release form, the jail must accept the person. The bill directly affects individuals arrested for minor non-violent offenses needing medical care at the time of arrest.

Maddy summaryHB 1813 requires the State of Tennessee to cover the costs of autopsies ordered by district attorney generals, shifting the payment responsibility from local entities to the state. This affects county medical examiners who perform or authorize these autopsies and district attorney offices that request them. The bill amends Tennessee Code § 38-7-109(b) to specify that autopsy expenses must be paid by the state as other state costs are handled, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1818 requires Tennessee school boards that contract with external providers for student transportation to provide bus services to all enrolled students living more than 1.5 miles from their assigned school by the nearest accessible route. This applies specifically to districts using contracted transportation services, directly affecting students in those communities who would otherwise lack guaranteed transportation. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 49-6-2101 and related education transportation laws to establish this requirement. It takes effect July 1, 2026, if enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1021 requires government agencies to pay full market value for the removal or acquisition of lawfully erected outdoor advertising devices (like billboards) when they are ordered removed for reasons such as highway safety. It directly affects billboard owners and local governments that enforce removal orders. The bill specifically prohibits using "amortization" (spreading payments over time) as valid compensation, mandating immediate full payment instead. This change applies to devices affected by condemnation or removal orders under existing laws, ensuring owners receive fair market value for their property.

Maddy summaryHB 1027 extends the deadline for sheriffs to share applicant information with the Tennessee Department of Safety from 30 to 45 days when reviewing handgun carry permit applications. This change directly affects sheriffs, who must now provide details about an applicant's truthfulness within the longer timeframe, and the Department of Safety, which relies on this information for permit decisions. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections related to criminal justice procedures to implement this extension. The policy change focuses solely on adjusting the processing timeline without altering eligibility criteria or other permit requirements.