Rep. Dennis Powers

Maddy summaryHB 1430 would change Union County's building permit fee structure from fixed amounts ($225 for residential, $450 for commercial) to 50 cents per square foot for all new construction, including homes and commercial buildings. It exempts sheds and barns from permit requirements and fees, and repeals conflicting fee provisions. This bill directly affects property owners, developers, and contractors in Union County who must pay building permit fees. The bill failed in committee on April 16, 2025, and requires local approval by Union County's legislative body to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 775 increases the maximum annual interest rate industrial loan and thrift companies in Tennessee can charge on loans of $100 or more from 30% to 36%. This change takes effect July 1, 2025, applying to new, amended, or renewed loan contracts after that date. The bill also includes related adjustments to other interest rate provisions in Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 45, Chapter 5. It directly affects these financial institutions and borrowers who take out qualifying loans.

Maddy summaryHB 939 requires Tennessee's Attorney General to annually report by January 15 to the governor and legislative leaders the number of court orders (injunctions) issued against individuals who harassed state employees during the previous calendar year. This bill creates a reporting mechanism for harassment-related legal actions but does not change existing harassment laws or protections for state employees. The report will track how often courts have intervened in such cases against state workers. It is a procedural measure focused on data collection, not policy change.

Maddy summaryHJR 120 is a non-binding resolution urging Tennessee's Department of Health to implement a voluntary reporting system for Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT) cases using existing electronic health record systems. It directs the Department to collect CMT data through current infrastructure without requiring new state funding or imposing costs on healthcare providers. The resolution aims to improve data on this rare neurological condition (affecting an estimated 2,800 Tennesseans) to support research, federal grant eligibility, and targeted patient care. The Department must provide annual progress reports to relevant health committees, though the resolution does not create new legal obligations or mandates.

Maddy summaryHB 771 requires boat owners to purchase a $72 annual permit to operate vessels that are exempt from Tennessee numbering (because they have a valid federal number from another state) on Tennessee's intrastate waters. This applies specifically to boats already legally numbered under another state's federally approved system. The permit fee must be paid annually, and all revenue will fund Tennessee's boating safety programs. The bill creates a new permit requirement for these "exempt vessels," which would be administered by the Fish and Wildlife Commission. (Note: The bill failed in committee on March 26, 2025, and is not yet law.)

Maddy summaryHB 774 amends Tennessee's retirement law to allow retired campus police officers to return to work as law enforcement officers without losing their retirement benefits. The bill updates the retirement code to specifically include campus police officers in the list of qualifying positions (previously limited to sheriff's deputies) and extends the expiration date of this provision from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2027. This directly affects retired campus police officers who are rehired by their agencies for law enforcement roles. The change ensures campus police officers receive the same retirement benefit protections as other law enforcement personnel under Tennessee's retirement system.

Maddy summaryHJR 240 is a symbolic resolution by the Tennessee General Assembly to commemorate St. Patrick's Day on March 17. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group, as it is a purely ceremonial recognition. The resolution highlights Irish heritage in Tennessee and the historical connection between Irish immigrants and the state's cultural foundation. It was formally adopted by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on March 12, 2025. This resolution serves only to honor the day through official acknowledgment, with no binding policy changes or practical consequences.

Maddy summaryHJR 255 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Rhonda Longmire for receiving the 2025 Great Smoky Mountain Council Good Scout Award. It recognizes her community leadership, service to Campbell County, and decades of involvement with the Boy Scouts of America. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it is purely a formal expression of commendation from the Tennessee General Assembly. No individuals or entities are directly affected by this resolution beyond the honor bestowed upon Mrs. Longmire.

Maddy summaryHJR 257 is a formal recognition resolution honoring Dan Pearman and the "Farmers Helping Farmers" initiative for organizing relief efforts after Hurricane Helene devastated East Tennessee in September 2024. It commends their work gathering and delivering over 130 loads of hay, feed, and supplies to affected farmers across Cocke, Greene, and Unicoi counties, involving hundreds of community volunteers. This resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses legislative appreciation for the initiative's community-driven support. It was signed into law by the Governor on March 12, 2025, following approval by both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryHJR 256 is a Tennessee House Joint Resolution honoring Tracy Adkins Powers for receiving the 2025 Great Smoky Mountain Council Outstanding Educator Award from the Boy Scouts of America. It recognizes her decades of service to education in Campbell County, including teaching at Jacksboro Middle School and developing educational facilities at Roane State Community College. The resolution formally commends her community involvement, such as her work with the Boy Scouts and local organizations, and was passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor in March 2025. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal expression of legislative appreciation.