Rep. Michele Reneau

Maddy summaryHB 851 amends Tennessee's absentee voting rules for citizens living overseas or serving in the military under federal law. It creates specific categories for "civilian overseas voters," "federal-only voters," and "military voters," clarifying who qualifies for absentee ballots. The bill requires applicants to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship (like a passport or birth certificate) and overseas residence (such as a foreign lease or bank statement) when registering temporarily. This directly affects Tennessee residents temporarily or permanently living outside the U.S. who wish to vote absentee.

Maddy summaryHB 850 requires government officials (including police, inspectors, and wildlife officials) to obtain a search warrant identifying the specific person or property targeted before entering private property for a search. This applies to all federal, state, and local government employees or contractors conducting searches, with exceptions only for judicially recognized warrant exceptions like emergencies. Officials who fail to get a valid warrant when required would face a Class C misdemeanor charge. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections to implement this warrant requirement, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1853 amends Tennessee law to prohibit public schools and charter schools from selling, offering, or providing any food or beverage containing artificial food dye to students on school property. This expands the current ban (which only covered Allura Red AC/Red 40) to include all artificial food dyes. The change directly affects all Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools operating under Tennessee's school nutrition program. The key mechanism is a simple amendment to the law's language, replacing "Allura Red AC" with "any artificial food dye" in the relevant statute.

Maddy summaryHB 846 requires Tennessee's State Board of Examiners for Architects and Engineers to publish exam schedules and passing scores on its website. This affects individuals seeking engineer intern certificates or professional engineer licenses by making exam details (times, locations, and required passing grades) publicly accessible online. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 62-2-405 (in Title 62) and related sections (Titles 49 and 63) to mandate this transparency. The provision aims to clarify licensing requirements without changing the exam content or standards.

Maddy summaryHB 2395 requires Tennessee public schools and charter schools to show students in grades 6-8 and 9-12 a state-approved civics instructional video at least once per grade span starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The video must cover the Declaration of Independence preamble (including the "all men are created equal" quote) and the religious beliefs of founding fathers, while being historically accurate and non-partisan. The State Board of Education must approve at least one such video by July 1, 2027, but cannot create a video itself. This bill directly affects all local education agencies and public charter schools in Tennessee through mandated curriculum changes.

Maddy summaryHB 2396 prohibits public water system operators in Tennessee from adding fluoride to drinking water. It directly affects municipal water utilities and private water providers that own, operate, or control public water systems. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 68, Chapter 221 to explicitly ban fluoride addition by water suppliers. The law would take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2392 creates the "Tennessee Data Center Impact Review Act," requiring permits for data centers over 20 megawatts (MW) starting January 1, 2027. It mandates applicants to submit detailed water usage projections, drought plans, and assessments of impacts on residential, agricultural, and public water supplies. The review board must prioritize residential water access over industrial use and evaluate wastewater discharge compatibility with municipal systems. This directly affects large data center developers, water utilities, and communities near proposed sites by requiring comprehensive environmental reviews before operation.

Maddy summaryHJR 1015 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding in 2026. It honors the nation's founding principles - such as liberty, equality, and self-government - and encourages Tennessee citizens, communities, schools, and organizations to participate in commemorative activities. The resolution does not create new laws or obligations; it serves as a formal statement of recognition without direct policy impact.

Maddy summaryHB 2394 requires Tennessee counties to prioritize funding for county-wide fire departments at levels equal to sheriff's department funding. It also mandates that counties prioritize funding for officially recognized volunteer fire departments when they request it. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections to establish these funding priorities for local fire protection services. This policy directly affects county governing bodies and fire departments across the state.

Maddy summaryHJR 938 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Steve Gaston for his 32 years of service with the Hamilton County Election Commission. It formally commends his "uncommon devotion and enthusiasm" in public service and extends "heartfelt wishes" for his retirement. The resolution was unanimously approved by both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly and is now transmitted to the governor for signature. This is a non-binding tribute with no policy changes or direct impact on laws or constituents.