Rep. Greg Martin

Maddy summaryHB 1085 prohibits Tennessee local school boards and public charter school governing bodies from removing materials from school libraries *solely* because the materials are religious. The law amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 49, specifically adding a new provision that bans this type of removal. It directly affects school library collections by preventing decisions based on religious content alone, though schools may still remove materials for other valid reasons (e.g., age appropriateness). The bill became law on April 29, 2025, as Public Chapter 270.

Maddy summaryHJR 633 is a symbolic resolution honoring Buddy Templeton for his 50 years of ownership and operation of Creeks Bend Golf Club in Hixson, Tennessee. The resolution recognizes his long-term commitment to the business, which has hosted events like junior golf camps, tournaments, and community activities since 1968. This non-binding resolution does not create any new laws, funding, or policy changes - it is solely a formal expression of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly. It was passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on April 29, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 634 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Rheubin McGhee Taylor upon his retirement as Hamilton County Attorney after over 30 years of service. It formally recognizes his legal career, public service (including roles on the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners and as a delegate to the 1977 Tennessee Constitutional Convention), and community contributions. The resolution has no policy effect - it is purely symbolic, expressing the Tennessee General Assembly's appreciation without creating new laws or obligations. It was passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor as a tribute to his retirement.

Maddy summaryHB 1084 creates a state grant program to reimburse local schools (including public charter and private schools) and medical first responders for purchasing anti-choking devices. The program covers one device per school cafeteria and one device per emergency vehicle used by medical first responders, starting July 1, 2025. It limits total reimbursements to $500,000 and requires annual reports to the legislature detailing applications, awards, and funds used. The program expires on July 1, 2028, and requires separate legislative funding approval to operate.

Maddy summaryHB 784 exempts the retail sale of infant formula, diapers, and wipes designed for infants and children from Tennessee's sales and use tax. This change directly affects parents and caregivers who purchase these essential baby products, reducing their out-of-pocket costs. The bill amends Tennessee law to create this tax exemption, defining "infant formula" as products meant to substitute human milk for infants' dietary needs. The exemption takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 781 requires real estate buyers who wholesale properties (assigning their contract to another buyer for profit) to disclose specific details about their "equitable interest" in writing. Buyers must provide this disclosure in bold, large font to both the original seller (at least 3 business days before assignment) and any new purchaser, explaining their right to benefit from the property before legal title transfers. The bill defines "equitable interest" as the buyer's contractual right to profit from the property prior to title transfer. It applies only to real estate transactions involving such contract assignments and mandates written disclosures to ensure transparency.

Maddy summaryHB 303 exempts certain antique or unique vehicle sales from requiring a motor vehicle dealer licenses when conducted through auctions held during motor vehicle festivals in Hamilton County. Specifically, it allows these sales at municipal convention centers in Hamilton County (population 366,200-366,300 per 2020 census) where festival proceeds fund a local neurological institute. The exemption applies only to these designated events and expires on October 22, 2025. This directly affects antique vehicle buyers and sellers participating in Hamilton County festivals meeting the specified criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 459 adds two new reasons for Tennessee to force the shutdown of registered businesses. It allows the Secretary of State to dissolve entities that knowingly file documents containing false information, or that are owned or controlled by a foreign government or entity designated as a "foreign adversary" by the U.S. Commerce Secretary (per 15 CFR 791.4(a)). The law applies to corporations, LLCs, cooperatives, and foreign businesses operating in Tennessee. It amends multiple Tennessee business statutes to include these provisions, effective as of April 8, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 383 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing Lawson Electric Company for its 100th anniversary. It honors the Chattanooga-based electrical contractor, founded in 1925, which employs over 500 people across Tennessee and serves major local institutions. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it simply expresses the General Assembly's appreciation for the company's history, community service, and ethics awards. As a procedural resolution, it does not affect laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 300 authorizes law enforcement officers to seize or impound vehicles found with a license plate flipper (a device allowing drivers to switch plates to avoid detection). It directly affects drivers using these devices and law enforcement officers enforcing traffic safety. The bill requires officers to give vehicle owners or operators a chance to safely remove the flipper immediately; if removed, only the flipper is seized as contraband. If the vehicle is impounded, the owner must pay towing, impound fees, and costs for flipper removal. This law, effective March 26, 2025, amends Tennessee traffic codes to clarify enforcement procedures.