Rep. Dan Howell

Maddy summaryHB 2425 expands the Ocoee River recreation fund's eligible uses to include tourism promotion and economic development activities, such as funding community events and supporting nonprofit organizations. It replaces the park manager on the fund board with the director of the division of state parks and imposes new limits on commercial permits: capping permits at 24 (reducing to 12 after July 2026) and restricting future permits to business buyers or immediate family members. These changes directly affect the fund board, commercial operators on the Ocoee River, and state park management. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1753 amends Tennessee law to allow governments providing emergency aid to request extra time to submit detailed cost invoices to the requesting government. Currently, responding agencies must submit itemized bills within 60 days after emergency assistance ends; this bill adds a provision for requesting additional time due to "extenuating circumstances." It directly affects local governments, counties, or agencies that assist other jurisdictions during emergencies like natural disasters. The change modifies Tennessee Code Annotated § 58-8-111(g) to clarify this extension process without altering emergency response procedures. This is a procedural adjustment focused on billing timelines, not policy substance.

Maddy summaryHB 1751 allows Tennessee residents holding memorial or military license plates to submit annual verification proof electronically instead of through traditional methods like mail or in-person visits. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Chapter 4, to authorize the Department of Revenue to accept digital submissions for confirming continued eligibility for these special plates. This change directly affects veterans, military families, and memorial plate holders who must renew their plate status yearly. The policy simplifies the verification process without altering eligibility requirements or plate benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 1752 amends Tennessee law to require the transportation commissioner to include state representatives and senators from the affected county in written notices about contracts for emergency road repairs. The bill expands the current notice list - which only included the comptroller of the treasury - to add local lawmakers representing the county where a transportation failure or emergency occurs. This procedural change ensures county-level legislators are informed when the state contracts to fix urgent road or bridge issues. The bill does not alter funding, create new requirements, or change existing responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee House Joint Resolution designates May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month to raise public awareness about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive and currently incurable neurodegenerative disease. The resolution highlights the impact of ALS on patients and their families, noting that the disease affects muscle control and can lead to breathing difficulties, while also pointing out that military veterans face higher risks of developing the condition. It acknowledges the critical role of research, clinical trials, and organizations like the ALS Association in advancing treatments and support for those affected. The bill serves as a commemorative measure to honor individuals impacted by the disease and to encourage continued advocacy for funding and public understanding.

Maddy summaryHB 2355 increases penalties for businesses illegally disposing of sewage by upgrading violations from a Class C to Class B misdemeanor when committed during septic waste removal operations. It directly affects businesses permitted to remove accumulated wastes from septic systems. The bill requires courts to notify the environmental commissioner upon conviction, triggering automatic permit suspensions (30 days for first offense, 90 days for second, permanent revocation for third or subsequent violations). These changes apply to violations occurring on or after July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2356 amends Tennessee law to allow local school districts (LEAs) to authorize school security personnel - such as school safety officers or campus security staff - to review exterior bus camera footage when investigating illegal passes of stopped school buses. Currently, only law enforcement officers (POST-certified or state-commissioned) could review such evidence; this bill expands that authority to include trained school security staff. The change requires LEAs to maintain separate agreements with law enforcement for police review, but school security review can occur concurrently without restricting police involvement. This directly affects school districts and their security personnel by streamlining evidence review for bus safety violations.

Maddy summaryHB 1754 is a study bill that does not change current law but requests the Tennessee Department of Transportation (DOT), with input from the Department of Revenue, to examine whether requiring personal boat trailers to be registered in Tennessee would affect transportation infrastructure. If the study occurs, DOT must report findings and recommendations to relevant legislative committees by January 1, 2027. The bill directly affects potential future policy decisions about boat trailer registration but does not impose new requirements on boat owners. It is procedural in nature, focusing on gathering data before any legislative action. The bill has been referred to the Transportation Committee for further review.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors the Ocoee Church of God in Tennessee on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. It acknowledges the church's five decades of community service, leadership by the Whitmire family, and its role in mentoring religious leaders and providing outreach ministries. The resolution expresses appreciation for the congregation's contributions to Polk County and surrounding areas but does not create any new laws or funding. It serves as a ceremonial recognition rather than a policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 2619 prohibits Tennessee health insurance companies from using "downcoding" to reduce payments to healthcare providers. Downcoding occurs when insurers adjust a claim to a lower-cost procedure code, preventing providers from collecting full fees for services rendered - either from the insurer or the patient. The bill creates the Tennessee Commission of Insurance Review to handle complaints and enforce this rule. It directly affects healthcare providers (like doctors and hospitals) and health insurance entities operating in Tennessee by requiring full payment for covered services as defined in the bill. The law amends Tennessee insurance codes to clarify these requirements and definitions.