Rep. William Slater

Maddy summaryHB 328 requires Tennessee state parks to offer veterans who are Tennessee residents the same discounts for activities, camping, lodging, and retail purchases as those provided to state employees. It specifically mandates a year-round 50% discount on camping and cabin fees for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability (verified by the VA), subject to availability and reservations made within 30 days. Veterans must provide proof of residency and VA disability status to qualify for the 50% discount, while standard veteran discounts require only proof of veteran status and residency. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all state parks managed under Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 11, Chapter 3.

Maddy summaryHB 1413 would allow Gallatin's city council to impose impact fees on new development projects to cover costs for related infrastructure. The bill specifies fees could fund street repairs, water systems, storm drainage, emergency services, and administrative costs tied to new construction. It requires a two-thirds vote approval by Gallatin's city council to take effect, with the city council having full authority to set fee amounts. The bill failed in committee on April 8, 2025, and remains inactive.

Maddy summaryHB 186 modifies Tennessee's medical licensing rules for surgical assistants. It allows applicants to register using current credentials from the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) in addition to the existing National Commission for Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA), expanding acceptable credentialing options. The bill also removes the December 31, 2019, deadline for applicants with specific practical experience to register. This directly affects surgical assistants seeking state registration in Tennessee by simplifying credential recognition and eliminating a time-sensitive requirement. The changes apply to the Board of Medical Examiners' registration process under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 63, Chapter 6.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires retailers to verify the age of customers purchasing tobacco, smoking hemp, vapor products, or smokeless nicotine products if the customer appears under 50 years old. It raises the age threshold where proof of age is not required from 30 to 50 years, meaning retailers must check age for anyone who looks younger than 50. For mail orders, sellers must obtain a written statement confirming the recipient is 21 or older and inform them they cannot sell to minors. The law applies to all retailers selling these products in Tennessee and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 330 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor the late Dr. Larry L. Gilmore, a pastor and community leader from Gallatin. It formally recognizes his life and service, including his work founding churches, establishing a Christian academy, and serving in leadership roles within the Tennessee Baptist Convention. The resolution was adopted by both the House and Senate and signed by the Governor on April 1, 2025. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or groups beyond expressing legislative tribute.

Maddy summaryHB 86 modifies Tennessee's charter school audit requirements by giving the state comptroller of the treasury authority to set the exact deadline for charter schools to submit annual financial audits. Currently, schools must submit audits "as soon as practical after June 30"; this bill adds that the comptroller determines the specific timing. The change directly affects all Tennessee charter schools required to file financial audits with the state. It streamlines administrative flexibility without altering the core audit obligation or creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1015 removes an outdated reporting requirement from Tennessee law. It deletes language that previously required the comptroller's office of research and education accountability to submit a report about community schools to education committees by November 1, 2018. This requirement expired years ago and no longer applies, so the bill simply eliminates obsolete language from state code. The change affects no current policy or stakeholders, as the requirement was never active after 2018. This is a purely procedural update to clean up outdated statutory language.

Maddy summaryHJR 18 is a commemorative resolution honoring Trooper Adam Cothron of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. It formally recognizes his service, specifically acknowledging his injury while on duty on July 19, 2024, and his background as a deputy sheriff, K9 handler, and member of a law enforcement family. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's appreciation for his dedication, integrity, and commitment to public safety. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the legal definition of a "dependent and neglected child" within Tennessee's juvenile court system. It specifies that a child must be in need at the time a court petition is filed, rather than at any other point in time. Additionally, the law now recognizes that a child's condition of want or suffering can result from the parent's or guardian's inability to provide treatment for the child's mental health or substance abuse issues, provided the parent is not at fault. These changes apply to all juvenile court proceedings occurring on or after July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis law requires that children taken into juvenile detention be allowed at least one phone call and one 30-minute in-person visit with a parent or guardian within the first 24 hours. The bill also permits officials to impose a fine of up to $50 on the child or their guardian if they fail to comply with certain rules. These changes apply to the Tennessee Code sections governing juvenile justice and take effect on July 1, 2024.