Rep. Lowell Russell

Maddy summaryHJR 755 is a memorial resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Thomas Myers "Cory" Gunnels, a public servant who died in 2021. The resolution expresses the Assembly's condolences to Gunnels' family and commemorates his life, character, and dedication to public service, including his work in the state Capitol and his community involvement. It does not create legal changes or affect any specific group, as it is a ceremonial tribute. The resolution was formally adopted by both chambers and transmitted to the Governor for final action.

Maddy summaryHB 1819 increases penalties for hit-and-run accidents resulting in death by making it a Class E felony. Drivers who fail to stop after causing a fatal accident - when they knew or should have known death occurred - face a mandatory minimum of one year in jail and a $10,000 fine. The bill amends Tennessee laws in Titles 39 (criminal procedure), 40 (transportation), and 55 (vehicle regulations) to implement these stricter penalties. It will take effect on July 1, 2026, applying to offenses committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 1821 would amend Tennessee law to automatically consider any resident without a violent felony conviction - legally permitted to own a firearm under the Tennessee Constitution - as "individually licensed and verified" under federal Gun-Free School Zones Act requirements. This directly affects law-abiding gun owners in Tennessee who meet the state's constitutional ownership standards. The bill's key provision redefines state verification for federal purposes, eliminating the need for separate state licensing to satisfy the federal law's licensure requirement. It does not create new licensing but aligns Tennessee's recognition with constitutional rights. The bill is pending in the Judiciary Committee as of February 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1020 grants law enforcement officers immunity from civil lawsuits for property damage or personal injury caused during official duties if the injured person was resisting arrest (and later convicted under Tennessee's resisting arrest statute, §39-16-602). This immunity does not apply if the officer acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct, nor does it cover bystanders or others not resisting arrest at the time of the incident. The bill amends Tennessee law (Titles 29 and 39) to change how civil liability is handled for officers’ actions during enforcement. It directly affects individuals who resist arrest and their ability to sue officers, while protecting officers from lawsuits under specific, limited circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 597), not a policy bill. It formally honors Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative (FLEC) for its 85th anniversary by recognizing its history of providing affordable electric service to rural East Tennessee communities since 1940. The resolution highlights FLEC’s growth from 364 members in 1941 to over 36,350 members today, serving 72% of Tennessee’s landmass at rates 37% below the national average. As a symbolic gesture with no policy changes or funding impacts, it expresses the General Assembly’s appreciation for FLEC’s service to members in Blount, Loudon, and Monroe counties.

Maddy summaryHB 1025 requires courts to suspend a minor’s driving privileges or ability to obtain a driver’s license for one year when a minor is found delinquent for acts that would be classified as harassment by bullying or cyberbullying under Tennessee law. This applies to all juvenile court dispositions for such offenses committed on or after July 1, 2025. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 39-17-308(d)(2), 37, 39, and 55-10-700 to mandate this suspension as part of standard sentencing. It directly affects minors convicted of bullying or cyberbullying offenses in juvenile court, adding a driving restriction to their court-ordered consequences.

Maddy summaryHJR 519 is a joint resolution honoring Officer Robert A. Jackson, Jr., the last officer of the Tennessee Capitol Police, for his over 30 years of service. Signed by the Governor on April 15, 2025, the resolution recognizes his military career in the U.S. Air Force and his distinguished law enforcement work, expressing gratitude for his dedication to public safety in Tennessee. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges his retirement through a ceremonial expression of appreciation.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 518 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Teresa J. "TJ" Sutton for her service as an executive legislative assistant to Representative Lowell Russell during the 2019 legislative session. It recognizes her dedication to public service, including her prior roles as a Crime Scene Investigator in Florida and her community volunteer work with organizations like Special Olympics Florida. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally commends Sutton's contributions through a legislative expression of respect. It was signed by the Governor on April 15, 2025, and will be presented to Sutton as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryHB 1023 requires commercial drivers in Tennessee to be able to read and speak English well enough to understand traffic signs, communicate with officials, and complete required reports, as mandated by federal law (49 CFR 391.11(b)(2)). During safety inspections, if an officer determines a driver cannot meet this standard, they must issue an out-of-service order halting the driver’s vehicle operation until a qualified substitute is available. The driver’s commercial license is suspended until they pass a state-administered English proficiency test, and employers face a $500 fine for each violation. This bill directly affects commercial drivers and their employers in Tennessee, ensuring compliance with federal safety requirements.

Maddy summaryHJR 482 is a formal resolution recognizing Danny Everhart for his 40 years of service with Monroe County Emergency Medical Service (EMS), including his role as an EMT IV and his work with the first semi-auto defibrillator and LIFESTAR transport in the county. The resolution honors his retirement and acknowledges his contributions to public safety, specifically crediting his colleagues and family. It was approved by both legislative chambers and signed by the governor on April 9, 2025. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or binding requirements - it serves solely as a symbolic tribute to an individual.