Rep. Greg Martin

Maddy summaryHB 1454 amends Tennessee sentencing laws to add 12 new aggravating circumstances that juries must consider when sentencing defendants convicted of certain sexual offenses, primarily those involving children or vulnerable victims. It directly affects defendants convicted of offenses like rape of a child, aggravated rape, or sexual battery where specific factors apply - such as the victim being under four years old, the defendant abusing a position of trust, prior offenses involving minors, or filming the crime. Key provisions include removing victim consent as a mitigating factor for child rape cases and requiring consideration of factors like heinous conduct, use of substances to influence victims, or multiple victims. The bill applies to offenses occurring on or after July 1, 2026, and aims to increase penalties for particularly severe cases. It does not change sentencing ranges but adds specific factors for judicial consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 2262 requires Tennessee's Department of Children's Services to complete investigations into child care agencies for reports of child abuse or child sexual abuse within 45 days of starting the investigation, unless "good cause" justifies a delay. This rule applies to investigations about abuse occurring at the agency but **excludes** cases where the alleged abuse was committed by an agency operator or employee. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 37-1-401 and 37-1-601 to create these deadlines for both types of abuse allegations. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and directly affects child care agencies and the state agency responsible for oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 2115 extends the deadline for joint county consolidation committees in Tennessee from 90 to 100 days to review petitions and report findings on merging counties. This bill directly affects counties that file consolidation petitions, giving committees more time to assess feasibility before making recommendations. The change modifies Tennessee Code Sections in Titles 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, and 67 related to local government procedures. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on adjusting the review timeline without altering consolidation requirements or outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 2260 increases penalties for arson committed at pregnancy resource centers, raising the offense from a Class C to a Class B felony under Tennessee law. It directly affects these centers (defined as nonprofits providing pregnancy-related services like counseling, financial aid, food, clothing, and adoption support) and individuals committing arson against them. The bill adds a specific legal definition for "pregnancy resource center" to clarify which organizations are protected. This change takes effect July 1, 2026, and does not alter existing protections for other locations like places of worship.

Maddy summaryHB 2264 creates a new Class B misdemeanor offense for intentionally obstructing, disturbing, or interfering with religious institution activities through offensive words, gestures, or displays near the location. It specifically applies to conduct that would be offensive to an ordinary person and disrupts the "order and solemnity" of services at churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, or other places of worship. The law amends Tennessee’s criminal code to define this offense and its penalty, effective July 2026. It directly affects individuals who engage in such disruptive conduct near religious gatherings, not general protest activities. The bill does not criminalize all criticism or peaceful demonstrations, only those meeting the defined threshold.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally recognizes Becky Kirk on the occasion of her retirement from public service. It directly affects Becky Kirk by honoring her nearly four decades of work in the Hamilton County Department of Human Services, where she served as a program monitor and fraud examiner. The resolution expresses appreciation for her contributions to programs like the Child and Adult Care Food Program and acknowledges her professional achievements and community involvement. Once passed by both legislative chambers, the resolution will be presented to Becky Kirk as a ceremonial gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution honoring Joe Smith, a former member of the Hamilton County Schools Board of Education, on the occasion of his retirement. It recognizes his ten years of service, during which he held leadership roles including chairman, and highlights his contributions to student achievement, budget management, and community partnerships. The resolution formally commends his public service and wishes him well in his future endeavors, with no changes to existing laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors Tonya Craft, a Chattanooga attorney, for her distinguished service to the legal profession and the State of Tennessee. The resolution recognizes her personal journey from being falsely accused of sexual abuse in 2007 to earning her law degree and becoming a practicing attorney in 2019. It acknowledges her leadership at Tonya Craft Legal Attorneys at Law and her commitment to pursuing justice for her clients. The document serves as a ceremonial recognition rather than creating new laws or changing existing policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1874 clarifies the legal definition of "hybrid electric vehicle" in Tennessee law. It specifies that such vehicles must be propelled by a combination of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine (or other power source), while explicitly excluding low-speed and medium-speed vehicles. This change updates the existing statute (TCA Title 55, Chapter 4) to provide clearer terminology for vehicle classification. The bill does not create new requirements or affect existing regulations - it only refines how hybrid vehicles are defined for administrative purposes.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee House Joint Resolution formally recognizes Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. The bill honors the school's history since its founding in 1876 by the Dominican Sisters and acknowledges its contributions to education and the community. It expresses legislative support for the school's mission of developing students through academic excellence and faith-based values. The resolution serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new laws or funding.