Rep. Tim Rudd

Maddy summaryHB 609 would prevent unauthorized immigrants (people in the U.S. without legal status under federal immigration law) from filing or being a plaintiff in any civil lawsuit in Tennessee courts. The bill defines "unauthorized alien" per federal immigration law and amends multiple Tennessee Code sections (including Titles 4, 8, 16, 20, 28, and 29) to remove their legal standing in civil cases. This change would directly affect immigrants without legal status who might otherwise seek court remedies for issues like workplace injuries or housing disputes. The bill does not alter federal immigration status but restricts access to state civil courts for this group.

Maddy summaryHB 214 allows Tennessee school districts and public charter schools to hire retired law enforcement officers (from federal, state, or local agencies) and honorably discharged U.S. military veterans as school resource officers (SROs). The bill requires school boards and charter school governing bodies to adopt written policies outlining SRO duties, authority, and privacy compliance, including adherence to FERPA and other privacy laws. It also mandates that SROs complete 40 hours of approved school policing training and specifies conditions for carrying firearms on school grounds.

Maddy summaryHB 610 shortens the deadline for Tennessee political parties to file their operating rules with election officials. It requires parties to submit these rules within 15 days of adoption (instead of the current 30 days) to maintain ballot access for nominees and other party rights. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections governing elections to implement this change. This directly affects all political parties seeking to participate in Tennessee elections by altering their filing timeline. The policy change is purely procedural, focusing on the timing of document submission without altering election eligibility or voting procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 215 allocates $25 million to fund the planning and construction of a new parking garage exclusively for legislative employees. The garage must have at least 400 spaces, attach to the north side of the Cordell Hull Building, and serve only legislative staff. This appropriation covers fiscal years starting July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025. The bill amends several Tennessee Code titles to facilitate this funding and infrastructure project.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Tennessee laws regarding real property to clarify when anti-squatter rules apply. It specifically states that these rules do not apply to future property interests if their validity was already settled by a court order or agreement before July 1, 2015. The change ensures that disputes over property rights resolved prior to that date are not reopened under new anti-squatter statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal registration system for third-party groups that collect voter registration forms in Tennessee. It requires these organizations to register with election officials, list their staff, and ensure that no one with a specific felony conviction handles the forms. The law also mandates that forms must be blank when given to applicants, prohibits anyone from filling them out without consent, and sets strict deadlines for delivering completed forms to the correct county. Additionally, the bill creates a process for issuing receipts to applicants and allows the state to impose civil penalties on organizations that violate these rules.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution formally recognizes and honors Lauren Wingler as the 2024 Youth Ambassador for the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association and the Tennessee Cattlemen's Youth Association. The measure highlights her selection as one of only five students statewide to receive this title, noting her active involvement in local agricultural organizations and her lifelong participation in the cattle industry. By passing this resolution, the Tennessee legislature expresses its commendation for her achievements and extends good wishes for her future endeavors in promoting the cattle industry.