Rep. Iris Rudder

Maddy summaryThis bill changes a residency requirement for South Pittsburg's city administrator. Instead of needing to live within the city limits, the administrator must reside within a 50-mile radius of the city after 90 days of starting the job. The city council must approve this change with a two-thirds vote before it takes effect. The bill applies only to South Pittsburg under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 2162 modifies Tennessee state law to allow the comptroller of the treasury to submit the annual TennCare actuarial study and related comments to legislative committees in electronic format instead of paper. This change directly affects the state's financial officer (comptroller) and designated legislative committees handling healthcare oversight. The bill updates multiple sections of Tennessee Code (Titles 4, 33, 56, 63, 68, and 71) to formalize electronic reporting as an acceptable method. It does not alter TennCare program rules or healthcare access but streamlines how the state shares financial review data with lawmakers. The bill focuses solely on procedural reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 870 prohibits insurers, pharmacy benefits managers, and third-party administrators from altering health plan coverage terms based on whether a patient qualifies for financial or product assistance for prescription drugs. The bill requires insurers to calculate enrollees' out-of-pocket costs using standard methods, including amounts paid by others on the enrollee's behalf, and explicitly bans conditioning coverage on drug assistance availability. It directly affects health plan enrollees and the entities managing prescription drug benefits in Tennessee. The law applies to health plans entered into, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and amends multiple sections of Tennessee's health insurance code.

Maddy summaryHB 2163 requires Tennessee's Commissioner of Health to study recent legislative changes (within the last five years) in neighboring states related to patient access and safety in assisted reproductive technology (ART). The Commissioner must analyze these developments and report findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by December 31, 2026. This bill does not change current laws but directs a formal review of how other states have addressed ART-related policies. The study aims to inform Tennessee lawmakers about potential approaches to ART regulation. (Bill number: HB 2163)

Maddy summaryHB 869 requires Tennessee health insurance companies to create two new digital systems: a "provider access API" to let doctors quickly retrieve patient records electronically, and a "prior authorization API" to speed up insurance approvals for treatments. It directly affects health insurance entities by mandating these technical standards under revised state laws in Titles 8, 47, 56, 63, and 68. The bill also shortens a deadline for insurers from 10 working days to 10 calendar days for certain patient record requests. This law aims to improve efficiency in healthcare coordination by standardizing electronic access to records and prior authorization processes.

Maddy summaryHB 534 prevents Tennessee school districts from extending legal immunity to independent school bus contractors for transportation services. It requires school districts to ensure contracts with these contractors include liability insurance meeting state legal standards, with the district named as an "additional insured" on the policy. This directly affects school districts, independent bus contractors, and the liability coverage for school transportation services. The law clarifies that immunity cannot be extended to contractors, shifting responsibility to ensure proper insurance coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 871 requires developers (called "declarants" in the bill) to place up to 10% of a buyer’s deposit for a condo unit into a state-protected escrow account until construction begins. Developers can access these funds only if they provide a surety bond or letter of credit guaranteeing refund to the buyer if construction delays. Deposits exceeding 10% (after construction starts) may be used for actual construction costs - like materials or permits - but not for salaries, commissions, or advertising. The law directly affects condo buyers and developers by strengthening buyer protections and clarifying how deposits can be used, applying to new contracts after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 596 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the Franklin County Library for its 100th anniversary. It honors the library's founding in 1925 by the Business and Professional Women's Club and its long history of serving the community through various locations and services. The resolution specifically celebrates the library's mission of "service for all" and acknowledges its current operations at 105 S. Porter Street in Winchester, Tennessee. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy or funding impact - it simply expresses the General Assembly's appreciation for the library's community contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 995 expands Tennessee's law protecting individuals who seek medical help for an overdose to include alcohol-related incidents. It amends state code by replacing "drug overdose" with "overdose" and "drug violation" with "drug or alcohol violation" in immunity provisions. This means people calling for help during an alcohol or drug overdose can no longer face prosecution for minor alcohol or drug offenses related to the incident. The law directly affects individuals experiencing overdoses and those assisting them by seeking emergency care. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 533, now Public Chapter 247, establishes the "Fertility Treatment and Contraceptive Protection Act" in Tennessee. It defines fertility treatment (including IVF, egg/sperm preservation, and genetic testing) and contraception (covering all pregnancy prevention methods, including over-the-counter options) and explicitly states that Tennessee law does not prohibit these activities. The bill directly affects all Tennesseans seeking reproductive healthcare by guaranteeing the right to access fertility services and contraception without state interference. Key provisions clarify that the state cannot ban or restrict these services, overriding conflicting existing laws. This law took effect immediately upon becoming public on April 29, 2025.