Rep. Tim Rudd

Maddy summaryHB 608 prohibits Tennessee state and local governments from requiring builders or developers to fund infrastructure that isn't essential to their specific project. It specifically prevents governments from mandating payment for non-adjacent infrastructure or infrastructure beyond what was initially estimated for the development. The bill applies only to residential projects under 300 homes or multi-family housing under 500 units, covering elements like roads, utilities, or internet cabling not directly needed for the property's creation, maintenance, or growth. It does not affect existing zoning, tax laws, or permits, and takes effect July 1, 2025, for new contracts.

Maddy summaryHB 1856 modifies Tennessee's school bus regulations for buses exclusively used to transport students to after-school programs. It extends the maximum service period from 18 years or 200,000 miles to the later of 20 years or 300,000 miles, allowing these buses to remain in service longer. The bill also requires biannual safety inspections by the Commissioner of Safety or their designee and mandates written notification to the safety department once the extended limits are reached. This change directly affects school districts operating such after-school transportation buses under Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49.

Maddy summaryHB 1883, the "Super Speeder Accountability Act," requires intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices on vehicles for drivers convicted of repeated speeding offenses, such as reckless driving or drag racing where speed was a factor. These devices limit vehicle speed to posted limits, are tamper-resistant, and report disabling attempts. The bill creates a licensing system for device providers, allows for compliance-based device removal, and enables low-income drivers to seek assistance through an indigency fund. It applies only to noncommercial vehicles and focuses on high-risk drivers with license suspensions or revocations due to speed-related violations.

Maddy summaryHB 458 amends Tennessee's election laws to strengthen voter registration verification and alter voting procedures. It requires state election officials to monthly compare voter databases with federal/state databases (like driver's license records) to identify potential non-citizens, and allows registered voters to formally challenge others' registration eligibility with written grounds. New mail or online registrants must appear in person with ID to vote in their first election, while counties must now save digital ballot images at 600 DPI for public access after elections. The bill also updates absentee voting rules for seniors and mandates visible watermarks on physical ballots. Currently pending in committee review, it has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1855 clarifies that standard time limits for filing civil lawsuits (statutes of limitations) apply to the Tennessee state government and its local subdivisions (like counties or cities), unless a law specifically states otherwise. This directly affects individuals or entities planning to sue the state or local governments for civil claims, such as negligence or contract disputes. The key change amends Tennessee Code Section 28-1-113 to explicitly state this rule, removing ambiguity about whether state entities could use different time limits. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, applying to all cases where the injury or cause of action occurred on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 470, the "Tennessee Professionals' Freedom of Religion Act," prohibits government licensing entities from denying, revoking, or taking adverse action against professional licenses (such as for doctors, realtors, or other licensed professions) due to sincerely held religious beliefs or moral convictions. It specifically protects licensed professionals from being penalized for refusing to affirm statements conflicting with their beliefs, expressing religious views in their professional work (as long as service standards are met), or providing faith-based services that meet professional standards. The bill also bans real estate brokers' organizations from denying MLS access or membership based on religious beliefs, while excluding law licenses (as the Supreme Court would need to apply it to that field). This law directly affects licensed professionals in Tennessee who face potential conflicts between their religious practices and licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1742 requires Tennessee's election finance registry to provide a clear, nonexclusive list of examples for non-monetary campaign contributions (such as goods or services) that must be disclosed. This list must be distributed to all state legislators at the start of each legislative session and to candidates within one week of certifying a treasurer with the registry. The registry must create and update this list through formal rule-making procedures under state administrative law. The bill directly affects state lawmakers and candidates for state office by clarifying which non-cash contributions require public disclosure under campaign finance rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 456) requires corporations to report certain campaign-related spending as a "political campaign committee" under Tennessee law. Specifically, if a corporation uses its own funds for communications expressly supporting or opposing a candidate *without* the candidate's cooperation, consent, or consultation, those expenditures must now be disclosed like campaign committee spending. This directly affects corporations that run such ads independently, shifting their reporting obligations under campaign finance rules. The change amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, Chapter 10, to clarify these disclosure requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 317 amends Tennessee's zoning appeal procedures to increase transparency and due process for property owners. It requires zoning boards to maintain public records of proceedings, provide clear written reasons for decisions, and inform applicants in writing of their right to appeal building permit denials and seek judicial review. The bill also adds "property rights; constitutional rights" to procedural language in zoning ordinances and deletes outdated sections. These changes directly affect property owners appealing zoning decisions, building officials issuing permits, and local zoning boards managing appeals. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 457, now law as Public Chapter 371, amends Tennessee election procedures to enhance security and transparency. It requires county election commissions to publish the location of provisional counting boards and prohibits them from tabulating marked ballots submitted online or using internet-connected voting machines. The bill also adds a provision allowing commissions to notify petitioners of defects in their documentation. These changes directly affect county election commissions and impact how voting is processed and secured in Tennessee elections. The law focuses on preventing internet-related vulnerabilities in the voting process.