Rep. William Slater

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 905 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Frances Ogeal Halfacre Webster for her 100th birthday. It commemorates her life as an educator, community volunteer, author, and resident of Tennessee, highlighting her career in teaching, family, and contributions to 4-H and local history. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the General Assembly's tribute through symbolic recognition. It passed unanimously and was signed into law by the Governor in February 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1014 changes the annual reporting deadline for school safety implementation from February 1 to January 15. It requires Tennessee's commissioners of education and safety to jointly submit their report to the governor and General Assembly earlier each year, covering the "Schools Against Violence in Education Act." This bill directly affects state education and safety officials who must adjust their reporting schedule. The change modifies existing code sections (TCA Title 49 and 68) without altering the underlying school safety requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1424 removes a requirement in Gallatin's city charter that forced most appointed city officers (except the city attorney) to devote all their time to city duties. This change allows those officers to work outside regular city business hours without violating the charter. The amendment requires approval by Gallatin's city council with a two-thirds vote before taking effect, as specified in Section 2 of the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 380 requires all virtual schools operated by Tennessee Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to use curricula and instructional materials that meet or exceed state academic standards, with no exceptions for waivers. It creates a process where the state textbook commission must review public complaints about non-compliant materials within 60 days and issue written determinations to affected schools. If materials fail to meet standards, schools must immediately replace them with compliant alternatives. This bill directly affects virtual schools and ensures their instructional content aligns with state education standards.

Maddy summaryHB 958 creates a task force within Tennessee's education system to prepare for potential changes to federal K-12 education rules. The bill amends Tennessee law to require the task force to submit an annual report by July 20 each year (previously July 10). This task force, composed of state education officials, will analyze federal education regulations and develop strategies for Tennessee to respond if federal rules change. The bill directly affects state education agencies and officials responsible for implementing these preparations.

Maddy summaryHB 87 (The Learning Pod Protection Act) is a procedural bill that amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-1-907 to require the Tennessee Department of Education to submit an annual early grades reading report to the Senate and House education committees by October 15 each year. The bill does not create new protections for learning pods (a term not referenced in the actual text) but instead modifies an existing reporting requirement. This change directly affects the Department of Education by establishing a specific annual deadline for this report. The bill became law on May 13, 2025 (Public Chapter 305), with no substantive policy changes beyond the reporting schedule.

Maddy summaryHB 918 creates a free temporary hunting license for Tennessee veterans with service-connected disabilities who participate in hunts organized by not-for-profit groups. The license, valid for no more than seven days per hunt, requires only a VA disability certification as proof of eligibility. It directly affects disabled veterans seeking to join nonprofit-sponsored hunting events without purchasing a standard license. The law amends Tennessee Code Sections 70-2-104 (hunting licenses) and 58 (wildlife commission) and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 581 is a ceremonial legislative resolution honoring Kylie Nicole Carman, the 2025 Valedictorian of Trousdale County High School. It recognizes her academic achievements, extracurricular involvement (including leadership roles and volunteer work), and future plans. The resolution formally commends her through the Tennessee General Assembly but does not create any new laws, policies, or financial obligations. It directly affects only Kylie Carman as a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryHJR 580 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Elizabeth Grace Denning, the 2025 salutatorian of Trousdale County High School. It commends her academic achievements, extracurricular involvement (including leadership roles and volunteer work), and future plans to attend Tennessee Technological University. The resolution formally recognizes her as an exemplary student and extends well-wishes for her future success. As a symbolic gesture with no policy impact, it does not create new laws or affect any regulations. The resolution was signed by the House Speaker, Senate Speaker, and Governor in April 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 543 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Joi Wasill for receiving Welch College's 2025 Strong and Courageous Award. It recognizes her 23-year leadership of DCO (an organization providing sexual risk avoidance education to over 280,000 students) and her community service in Sumner County, Tennessee. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses legislative appreciation through a formal commendation. This type of recognition resolution does not affect laws, regulations, or any group's rights or obligations.