Rep. Dennis Powers

Maddy summaryHB 1465 changes Union County's building permit fee to $0.50 per square foot for all new construction, reconstruction, or erection of buildings. It directly affects builders and developers in Union County by establishing this flat fee structure, while exempting sheds and barns from charges. The bill repeals conflicting fee provisions in existing law and requires Union County's legislative body to approve the change by a two-thirds vote before it takes effect. If approved, the fee would apply to all qualifying construction projects within the county.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution that formally recognizes and commends the Claiborne High School Blue Battalion Band for being selected to represent Tennessee at the Salute to Independence Parade in Philadelphia. The resolution honors the band's achievement of performing at a historic event celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, noting their consistent excellence in competitions and leadership. It serves as an official acknowledgment of the students' dedication and the value of music education rather than creating new laws or funding. The bill was introduced in March 2026 but was later withdrawn and objected to during the legislative process.

Maddy summaryHB 2090 amends Tennessee law to exclude certain indoor, above-ground swimming pools at fitness facilities from being classified as "public swimming pools" under health regulations. Specifically, it exempts privately owned pools installed indoors at fitness facilities that meet six criteria: installed per manufacturer instructions, have controlled access, maintain water quality, and are used *only* by staff and students for swimming instruction (not for rentals, parties, or public sessions). This means these pools would no longer be subject to the same health department regulations applied to typical public pools like those in hotels or recreation centers. The bill directly affects fitness facilities operating such specialized pools, reducing regulatory oversight for this specific use case.

Maddy summaryHB 2094 requires Tennessee's Department of Transportation to allocate federal and state transportation funds equally to rural planning organizations (RPOs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) for transportation planning and projects. It directly affects rural communities and their planning groups by mandating that funding for rural transportation needs matches the level provided to urban areas. The bill amends state law to establish this parity requirement for all applicable federal and state funds applied for on or after July 1, 2026. This policy change ensures rural areas receive funding proportional to urban areas for road, highway, and bridge planning and implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 1552 modifies Tennessee's address confidentiality program to exclude persistent domestic violence offenders from participating. The bill adds these individuals to the list of ineligible persons under the program's rules, specifically updating the eligibility criteria in the law. It also removes the phrase "within this state" from provisions allowing participants to change their address. These changes directly affect individuals required to register as persistent domestic violence offenders who might otherwise use the program to keep their addresses private. The bill makes no other substantive changes to the program's core structure.

Maddy summaryHJR 927 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Mark Goins for his appointment as President of the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED) for 2026-2027. It recognizes his 17-year service as Tennessee's Coordinator of Elections, during which Tennessee achieved four consecutive national rankings for election integrity. The resolution formally commends his leadership in advancing secure and accessible election administration, including implementing photo ID requirements, anti-hacking statutes, and online voter registration. This is a non-binding tribute with no policy changes or direct impact on voters or legislation.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee House resolution formally recognizes Kailei Beeler, a senior at Union County High School, for her appointment to the United States Naval Academy. The bill highlights her academic achievements, leadership in the Navy JROTC program, and participation in various extracurricular activities as reasons for the recognition. It directs the House to present a copy of the resolution to Beeler as a gesture of appreciation for her accomplishments and wishes her success in her future naval career.

Maddy summaryHB 2303 changes the annual deadline for private schools participating in Tennessee's education freedom scholarship program to report student test results. Specifically, it moves the reporting date from June 30 to June 15 each year to the Office of Research and Education Accountability within the comptroller's office. This bill directly affects private schools receiving education freedom scholarship funds, requiring them to submit test results for scholarship recipients earlier each year. The change is purely procedural, altering a reporting deadline without modifying scholarship eligibility or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2088 allows nurses providing home health services to four or fewer patients to qualify for home care organization licensure without needing to hire staff or maintain an office. Instead, these nurses must request secure, department-approved space from the Tennessee Department of Health to store patient records. The bill specifically applies to licensed registered nurses, practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants working with limited patients. It amends Tennessee law (Titles 63 and 68) and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 935 is a formal resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Kelli Jo Wright for receiving the 2026 Campbell County Good Scout Award. It recognizes her decades of community service, including leadership in youth development, founding community events, publishing *The Volunteer Times*, and extensive volunteer work with Scouting and local causes in Campbell County. The resolution, signed by both chambers and the Governor, expresses the General Assembly's appreciation for her contributions to Campbell County and Tennessee. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding legal effect and directly affects only Kelli Jo Wright through public recognition.