Rep. Cameron Sexton

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 486), not a bill with policy changes. Tennessee's legislature passed a resolution to honor Elon Musk and SpaceX for their role in rescuing astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who were stranded on the International Space Station for over nine months. The resolution cites Musk's "expeditious action" in launching a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to return the astronauts in March 2025, following a request from "President Trump." It was signed into law by the Governor on May 5, 2025, and serves solely as a symbolic gesture of appreciation with no binding effect or policy implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 1094 designates the Southern Stars Symphonic Brass as the official brass band of the state of Tennessee. This ceremonial designation recognizes the band, which is based in Crossville and includes musicians from multiple Tennessee communities, as a representative musical group. The bill amends state code to formally establish this status without creating new regulations or affecting public policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1088 requires Tennessee public school districts to notify parents and guardians within 24 hours if they report a credible threat of violence or significantly disruptive behavior at a school to law enforcement. The notification must include the specific threat reported to authorities and can use existing communication methods like email or phone. This applies to all public schools in the district when such a threat is reported to law enforcement. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, to establish this mandatory notification requirement.

Maddy summaryHJR 49 proposes amending Tennessee's constitution to restrict bail for specific serious crimes. It would eliminate the right to bail for defendants charged with terrorism, second-degree murder, aggravated rape (including of children), grave torture, or other offenses where a conviction would require serving at least 85% of the sentence before release. This change would apply when evidence is strong or the presumption of guilt is high. The amendment requires judges to document bail decisions for these cases and must be approved by voters in the 2026 election. It directly affects individuals charged with these offenses before trial.

Maddy summaryHJR 48 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand rights for crime victims in Tennessee. If approved by voters, it would guarantee victims specific protections including the right to receive notice of court proceedings, be present at trials, provide input during sentencing, receive restitution from offenders, and be informed of parole decisions. The amendment would require voter approval at the 2026 general election, as directed in the resolution. This is a proposed change to the state constitution, not an immediate law, and would not alter existing legal processes or create new lawsuits against the government.

Maddy summaryHB 1095 requires Tennessee's Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission to issue a certification to private special deputies appointed on or after January 1, 2026, if they meet police officer qualifications and complete an approved recruit training program. To maintain this certification, special deputies must also complete annual in-service training sessions relevant to their duties. The bill directly affects private special deputies employed by entities like private security firms or businesses with law enforcement authority. It updates existing training requirements in Tennessee law (Titles 4, 8, 38, and 49) to standardize certification for this specific role, effective March 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1096 prohibits Tennessee employers seeking state economic development incentives (like tax breaks or grants) from entering into community benefits agreements that impose conditions on employment practices, benefits, or operations unrelated to the incentive program. The bill defines such agreements as those requiring employers to fund community services, set wage standards, or use unionized labor, and amends state law to block these conditions from being tied to incentives. This change, effective July 1, 2025, ensures state incentives remain focused on economic development goals without additional community mandates. It directly affects businesses pursuing state incentives and community groups attempting to negotiate such agreements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution confirms Ina F. Maxwell, Ph.D.'s appointment to the Tennessee State Board of Education, as authorized by the Speaker of the House. It follows Tennessee law requiring House confirmation for Speaker-appointed board members representing specific congressional districts (here, the 6th District). The bill was unanimously adopted by the House on March 10, 2025, and signed by the Speaker the next day, formalizing her term through March 31, 2029. This is a procedural confirmation with no new policy provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a procedural resolution confirming John Hie's appointment as a commissioner of the Tennessee Public Utility Commission, as required by Tennessee law (TCA §65-1-101). It formally approves Governor Bill Lee's joint appointment with legislative leaders for Hie's six-year term, which expires June 30, 2030. The resolution does not change policies or affect public utility regulation; it solely confirms an existing appointment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Tennessee education law to require the state department to provide a specific form to all local education agencies on its website. The legislation directly affects school districts and administrators who need to access this form for compliance purposes. By making the form publicly available online, the bill streamlines the process for schools to obtain necessary documentation. The change takes effect immediately upon becoming law.