Rep. Mark Cochran

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution honors the Fairview Christian Academy Lady Falcons girls' basketball team for winning the 2026 TAACS Division 2 state championship. It formally acknowledges the team's victory over Hendersonville and specifically recognizes the contributions of the players, coaches, and their supporters. The document serves as a commendation rather than a law, and it will be presented to the team as a symbol of appreciation for their athletic achievement.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee joint resolution honors the United States Postal Service on the occasion of its 250th anniversary in 2025. The bill acknowledges the agency's long history of connecting communities and recognizes postal workers for their service. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a formal statement of appreciation from the state legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 1822 requires Tennessee public schools and colleges to include specific historical examples of religion's "positive impacts" on American history during American history classes. It directs educators to teach 19 listed topics, such as Pilgrims' religious origins, religious references in the Declaration of Independence, George Washington's religious views, and the role of faith in the Civil Rights Movement. The bill states this instruction is consistent with the First Amendment and not proselytization. It directly affects teachers in Tennessee's public K-12 schools and public universities. The law does not mandate these topics but permits their inclusion in American history curriculum.

Maddy summaryHB 2279, the "Crush Transnational Repression in Tennessee Act," targets foreign governments or groups attempting to control Tennesseans through coercion or foreign law. It criminalizes agents of "foreign adversaries" (like designated hostile nations) who try to force Tennesseans to act against their will, leave the U.S., or stop protected activities like free speech or religious practice - increasing penalties for such offenses. The bill also voids Tennessee court rulings or contracts based on foreign law (including examples like Sharia Law) if they violate U.S. or Tennessee constitutional rights. Additionally, it requires the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to create a law enforcement training program on transnational repression by July 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 548, the "Tennessee Procurement Protection Act," prohibits state agencies and local governments from purchasing goods or services from companies based in countries designated as "foreign adversaries" by the U.S. Commerce Department. It requires bidders to certify they are not foreign adversary companies and imposes penalties - including $250,000 fines or contract termination - for false certifications. The law allows exceptions only if no alternatives exist and the department approves the contract after assessing risks. This directly affects suppliers seeking state contracts and state agencies managing procurement processes.

Maddy summaryHB 2020 amends Tennessee's food safety law to exclude churches, temples, synagogues, and civic or veteran's organizations from the definition of "food service establishment" when food is prepared, served, transported, or stored by volunteer personnel. This means these groups will not be subject to commercial food safety regulations, such as health inspections or food handler permits, for volunteer-run food activities. The bill clarifies that storing unopened canned food, non-hazardous packaged bulk food, or dry goods does not affect this exemption. The change takes effect upon becoming law, reducing regulatory burden for volunteer-based food operations.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution honors Coach Johnny Morgan on his retirement from the girls' basketball program at Central High School in McMinn County. The legislation formally recognizes his forty-seven-year career, during which he led his team to over 1,100 victories and a state championship in 2011. No new laws or funding are created; the bill serves solely to commend his contributions to Tennessee high school basketball and present a ceremonial copy of the resolution to him.

Maddy summaryHB 2017 prevents local governments (cities, counties, towns) from regulating how wildlife is taken, including firearm discharge during lawful hunting. It clarifies that only the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission sets rules and proclamations for hunting methods, amending Tennessee Code Sections 39-17-1314, 70-1-206, and 70-4-107. The bill ensures hunters using Commission-approved methods during designated seasons can legally hunt with firearms in areas designated by the Commission. This shifts regulatory authority from local entities to the Commission, taking effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee House Joint Resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service, which was established in 1775. The bill honors postal workers and expresses support for maintaining the service as a public institution. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal recognition of the agency's history and role.

Maddy summaryHB 2019 amends Tennessee law to clarify where lawsuits can be filed to dissolve nonprofit corporations. It specifies that the Attorney General and Reporter can file such cases in counties where the corporation's principal office is located (or its registered office if none exists in Tennessee), where the corporation conducted activities like soliciting donations, where the Attorney General has an office, or in Davidson, Sumner, or Williamson counties. For other parties seeking dissolution, cases must be filed where the corporation's principal office was located. This bill changes venue rules for existing legal proceedings but does not create new requirements for nonprofits.