Rep. Michele Reneau

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 698) honoring the newly formed Captain Larry L. Taylor American Legion Post 293 in Signal Mountain, Tennessee. It formally congratulates the post's officers and members on their establishment and recognizes the post's namesake, Captain Larry L. Taylor, a Medal of Honor recipient and Signal Mountain resident. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly for the veterans' organization's service.

Maddy summaryHJR 561 is a Tennessee House Joint Resolution honoring the memory of Carl Elzia Levi, a Chattanooga public servant who dedicated over 50 years to city, county, and military service. It commemorates his roles as Chattanooga city treasurer, Hamilton County trustee, and U.S. Army/Army National Guard veteran (retiring as a brigadier general), and notes his 2019 armory naming in his honor. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family and reflects on his legacy of integrity and public service. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact and serves solely as a symbolic tribute.

Maddy summaryHB 845 amends Tennessee's open meetings law to extend the deadline for the Office of Open Records Counsel from 30 to 45 days to review and approve local government bodies' compliance plans for electronic meetings. This change directly affects city councils, school boards, and other local governing bodies that must submit detailed plans for conducting meetings via internet forums. The bill’s key provision adjusts the timeline for official review of these plans, providing more time for local entities to align with electronic communication requirements. The amendment applies to Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Chapter 44, and does not alter the underlying requirements for public meeting accessibility.

Maddy summaryHB 1262 amends Tennessee school law to expand who may disregard a preferred pronoun that conflicts with biological sex, now including students alongside teachers and staff. It updates civil liability protections so that schools or individuals cannot be held legally liable for refusing to use a pronoun inconsistent with biological sex, or for taking disciplinary action related to pronoun use. The bill replaces all references to "students" with "teachers, employees, or students" in relevant sections to clarify this expanded scope. These changes directly affect all public school students, teachers, and staff in Tennessee regarding pronoun usage policies.

Maddy summaryHB 129 prevents Tennessee National Guard members from being deployed to federal active combat duty without specific congressional authorization. It requires Congress to either declare war or take action under the Constitution's Article I, Section 8, Clause 15 (for executing laws, repelling invasion, or suppressing insurrection) before the state can release guardsmen for combat. The bill does not affect domestic missions under Title 32 of federal law, which allows deployments for civil support within the U.S. The governor must ensure compliance with this requirement, directly impacting Tennessee Guard members and state military operations.

Maddy summaryThis House Joint Resolution (HJR 208) is a ceremonial resolution congratulating Jayme Salisbury on winning two gold medals in snowboard slalom and giant slalom at the 2025 Tennessee Special Olympics Winter Games in Gatlinburg. It formally honors Salisbury, a longtime Special Olympics competitor from the Orange Grove Center, for his athletic achievements despite limited prior snowboarding practice. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses legislative recognition and extends best wishes for his future success. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any stakeholders.

Maddy summaryHB 844 deletes an outdated requirement in Tennessee law that previously mandated the comptroller's office to study and report on community schools to education committees by November 1, 2018. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, by removing Section 49-6-2406, which had become obsolete after its deadline passed. This change eliminates a procedural obligation with no current enforcement or impact on education policy. The bill does not alter existing education programs or create new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 847 shortens the deadline for water and wastewater treatment authorities in Tennessee to prepare and submit their annual operating budgets. It reduces the required timeframe from 60 to 45 days before the start of the fiscal year for the executive director to submit the budget to the board for approval. This change directly affects the executive directors of these authorities, requiring them to complete budget preparations more quickly. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 68-221-1306(c)(1) to implement this deadline adjustment.