Rep. Tim Rudd

Maddy summaryHB 318 prohibits Tennessee state and local governments from enforcing or recognizing mandates issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations (UN), or World Economic Forum (WEF). The bill specifically blocks the use of such international mandates as a basis for requiring masks, vaccines, medical testing, or collecting citizen data. It applies to all state agencies, counties, municipalities, and other local government entities ("political subdivisions"). The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and declares these international mandates unenforceable within Tennessee.

Maddy summaryHJR 547 designates May 2025 as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in Tennessee. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the importance of motorcycle safety through existing state programs like the Motorcycle Rider Education Program and volunteer efforts by groups such as the Concerned Motorcyclists of Tennessee. It serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a binding legislative action.

Maddy summaryHJR 480 is a resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Mark Goins, Coordinator of Elections for the Secretary of State's Office, for his dedicated service to the state. The resolution specifically recognizes his leadership in election integrity, which contributed to Tennessee being ranked #1 in election integrity for three consecutive years. It highlights his work on election reforms, including photo ID requirements and anti-hacking laws, as well as his role in implementing voter registration initiatives like GoVoteTN. This resolution is a formal tribute with no policy changes or new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 216 creates a new legal process for commercial property owners in Tennessee to quickly remove unauthorized occupants by filing a verified complaint with the county sheriff. It directly affects commercial property owners (not residential) who face unlawful occupation, requiring conditions like no tenant relationship, no immediate family connection, and prior notice to the occupant. The sheriff must verify the complaint, serve immediate vacate notices, and may assist with lock changes after removal, with fees matching standard writs of possession. The law, effective July 1, 2025, aims to restore property rights swiftly while limiting criminal activity on commercial sites.

Maddy summaryHB 611 prohibits foreign organizations and U.S. groups funded by foreign entities from donating to political candidates or campaign committees. It also bans Tennessee’s Senate and House speakers, and the Secretary of State, from accepting such foreign funding for election administration. The bill directly affects election officials, campaigns, and organizations seeking to influence elections through financial contributions. Key provisions ban all contributions - including advertising, campaign staff costs, or training - and require officials to reject foreign-funded election support. These changes aim to restrict foreign influence in Tennessee’s electoral process, as defined in the bill’s amendments to state election laws.

Maddy summaryHB 316 lowers the asset threshold for financial institutions to qualify for certain consumer protections in Tennessee, reducing the requirement from $100 billion to $50 billion in assets. This change directly affects banks, credit unions, savings associations, and mortgage lenders with assets below $100 billion but at or above $50 billion, expanding the scope of institutions subject to these rules. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee law (Titles 4, 9, 45, 47, and 56) to implement this adjustment. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2025, making consumer protection rules apply to more financial institutions.

Maddy summaryHB 420, the "Tennessee Consumer Protection and Subscription Renewal Act," requires businesses to clearly explain subscription or service terms before charging customers, especially for offers including free trials or gifts. It prohibits businesses from demanding credit card information upfront for such offers and mandates explicit consumer consent before automatic renewal charges begin. The bill also requires businesses to provide easy cancellation methods (like online options or toll-free numbers) and clear notices about pricing changes after trial periods end. This law directly affects businesses selling subscriptions or continuous services in Tennessee and protects consumers from unexpected charges after free trials.

Maddy summaryHB 319 revises Tennessee's definition of "residential property" for property tax classification under TCA Title 67, Chapter 5. The bill expands the definition to include all properties used for dwelling purposes that can be sold as a single fee simple title - regardless of whether they are vacant, owner-occupied, rented, detached, or attached - while maintaining the requirement of "not more than one rental unit." This change directly affects property owners and tax assessors by altering how residential properties are classified for tax assessment. The key mechanism updates the legal definition to remove previous restrictions on occupancy type, streamlining classification for tax purposes. The bill takes effect upon becoming law.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 183) honoring Dr. James Michael Norris upon his retirement as pastor of Franklin Road Baptist Church in Murfreesboro. It formally recognizes his 25+ years of ministry leadership, congregational growth, and community impact through the Tennessee General Assembly. The resolution has no policy effect - it serves solely as a formal expression of appreciation for his service. It was unanimously passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (HJR 101) is a symbolic recognition of the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). It formally commends the program for commissioning over 1,575 officers, twice earning national top-detachment honors, and founding MTSU's aerospace program. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute to the ROTC's contributions to military leadership and education. It was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor on February 21, 2025.