Rep. Dennis Powers

Maddy summaryHB 2091 requires the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to post specific information about off-highway vehicle (OHV) areas on the Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission's website. The bill mandates that the posted list include each area's acreage and estimated trail length, building on existing requirements under § 70-9-104(6). This affects the agency (which must create and maintain the list) and the public (who gains easier access to OHV trail details). The bill does not change where OHVs may operate, only how the existing area information is made publicly available online. It is a procedural requirement with no new regulatory impact.

Maddy summaryHB 1710 requires Tennessee counties, cities, and towns (local governmental entities) to verify applicants' U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S. before distributing public benefits. This applies to all applicants aged 18+ seeking federal, state, or local benefits, with implementation required by updating forms or systems after July 1, 2026. The bill authorizes the attorney general to investigate violations of these verification rules and mandates local entities to maintain applicant documentation. It also specifies that benefits cannot be delayed solely while verification is pending, and final verification failures trigger benefit termination.

Maddy summaryHB 1464 would provide a $50,000 annual payment for five years to the estate of an electrical lineman who dies while working in the line of duty. The bill extends this benefit, currently available to emergency responders, to electrical linemen by amending Tennessee law to include them in the same eligibility category. It defines an "electrical lineman" as a worker who installs, maintains, or repairs electrical systems for a local government or its contractors. The bill is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 354 requires Tennessee's Department of Human Services to prominently display a toll-free phone number on its website homepage. This number connects citizens to a service for reporting abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly or vulnerable adults. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee law (Titles 8, 38, 39, 45, 68, and 71) to mandate this website change. It directly affects the state agency by requiring a specific online presence for public reporting access, without altering the underlying reporting process.

Maddy summaryHB 357, the "Rescue Squad Recognition Act," establishes a formal recognition system for nonprofit rescue organizations in Tennessee. It defines a "rescue squad" as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering at least four of 11 specific emergency response services (like rope or vehicle rescue), meeting national standards, and consisting of 75% volunteer personnel. Organizations must apply to the State Fire Marshal’s office for a 3-year certificate of recognition ($50 fee), obtain local government approval for new squads, and renew annually. The law does not apply to law enforcement, medical agencies, or fire departments, and allows opt-outs with notification. This directly affects nonprofit rescue groups seeking official status for emergency response operations.

Maddy summaryHB 2089 requires Tennessee public schools and charter schools to observe November 7 annually as "Victims of Communism Day." It mandates at least 45 minutes of instruction in world history and geography courses about how communist regimes caused suffering through poverty, starvation, violence, and suppression of rights. The law specifically requires teaching about historical examples including Stalin’s Soviet Union, Mao Zedong’s China, Pol Pot’s Cambodia, Fidel Castro’s Cuba, and Nicolás Maduro’s Venezuela. This policy directly affects all high school students in Tennessee public schools taking world history or geography courses. The requirement applies starting with the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally recognizes William "Ed" Bryant of Campbell County on the occasion of his retirement. It honors his over thirty years of dedicated service to communities in Jellico, Newcomb, and surrounding areas, particularly through his work with Catholic Charities leading the Crazy Quilt Appalachian outreach ministry program. The resolution highlights his contributions to food distribution, organizing toy giveaways for hundreds of children annually, and hosting arts camps for local youth. This commemorative measure does not create new laws or policies but serves to publicly acknowledge his community service and express well wishes for his retirement.

Maddy summaryThis House Joint Resolution (HJR 962) is a ceremonial resolution honoring Caryville Police Chief Freddie Stagnolia upon his retirement. It recognizes his over 30 years of law enforcement service, including roles as a full-time officer, sheriff's office employee, and Caryville Police Chief since 2022. The resolution commends his dedication to public safety and community service, extending "best wishes for much continued success and happiness" during retirement. As a commemorative measure with no policy or funding impact, it directly affects Chief Stagnolia as the honoree.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the city of Jellico to impose a privilege tax of up to two percent on the purchase of prepared food from qualifying restaurants. The tax would apply only to establishments that sold at least $200,000 in food to consumers in the state during the previous year and must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the city council after a public hearing. Any revenue collected from this tax must be used specifically to pay debt service on capital projects funded by the city. If the city council does not approve the tax by the specified deadline, the bill will not take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 2092 requires Tennessee's Department of Health to launch a public outreach campaign about Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease research, using print, radio, social media, and other materials. The campaign must include a toll-free hotline for individuals to report diagnoses or donate to research, with specific funding categories covering data portals, community outreach, materials, and evaluation. It mandates the campaign run until July 1, 2027, and takes effect on July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects individuals with this rare neurological condition and the Department of Health, which must implement these specific outreach mechanisms.