Rep. Renea Jones

Maddy summaryHB 1825 raises the annual honey production threshold from 150 gallons to 835 gallons before honey producers must comply with Tennessee's food safety inspection requirements. This change directly affects small-scale honey producers who previously met the 150-gallon threshold but will now be exempt from inspections if they produce below 835 gallons annually. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee Code Annotated (Title 44, Chapter 15 and Title 53) to update these regulatory limits. The policy adjustment aims to reduce regulatory burden for smaller honey operations by increasing the exemption threshold.

Maddy summaryHB 1540 exempts teachers employed by Tennessee public schools or charter schools from paying sales tax on school supplies, art supplies, and instructional materials priced at $100 or less per item when purchased for classroom use. It excludes computers, clothing, video game consoles, and items for personal or business use. Teachers must apply for a state-issued exemption certificate to verify eligibility, and retailers must document this exemption on sales records. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies only to items used for instruction, not personal consumption.

Maddy summaryHB 193 would exempt qualifying Tennessee National Guard members from paying state sales tax on the first $15,000 of a new vehicle purchase. The exemption applies to one vehicle per member every five years and requires proof of service and unit verification to claim. This change would take effect July 1, 2025, if passed, directly benefiting active Guard members purchasing vehicles in Tennessee. The bill modifies existing tax law to provide this limited tax break for military personnel.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee House Resolution directs the Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to conduct research and provide policy recommendations on regulating fur-bearing animals. The bill addresses a current regulatory gap where fur-bearing animals are classified as wildlife rather than livestock, creating uncertainty for farmers and unclear oversight. The agencies are tasked with studying how to define fur production as agriculture, estimating the number of operations raising these animals, and proposing regulations for animal welfare and public health safety. This resolution aims to gather necessary data before the next legislative session to help craft future laws governing fur-bearing animal operations in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1040 would create the Tennessee Board of Professional Sign Language Interpreters to license interpreters serving deaf, deaf-blind, and hard-of-hearing residents. The board would establish rules for issuing, suspending, or revoking licenses and set professional standards for interpreters. It requires the board to include representation from the deaf community (two members) and licensed interpreters (two members), plus one academic representative. This directly affects interpreters seeking licensure and Tennesseans who rely on sign language interpretation for communication access in healthcare, employment, and public services.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 929 is a formal resolution recognizing Zoe Scheiderich as Miss Tennessee 2025. It commemorates her achievements as a community leader, student at Middle Tennessee State University, and her work with initiatives like Elevate: Empowering Girls and international efforts through Wings of Hope in Kenya. The resolution formally commends her for her dedication to service, scholarship, and her role as a community ambassador, without creating any new laws or affecting policy. It was passed unanimously by both chambers and is awaiting the governor's signature.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 999) honoring Mabel Chandler Edwards for her 106th birthday. It recognizes her life milestones, including being born on Leap Day (February 29, 1920), her 67-year marriage, community involvement, and long residence in Erwin, Tennessee. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's goodwill and tribute to her as a respected citizen, with no policy changes or direct effects on laws or constituents. It follows standard procedure for commemorative resolutions.

Maddy summaryHB 668 extends the cancellation period for consumers from 30 to 45 days after receiving the first bill for unsolicited services, products, or memberships paid via checks or similar negotiable instruments. It directly affects individuals who accidentally agree to recurring charges through unsolicited payment methods, such as signing a check for a "verification" service. The bill amends Tennessee Code Section 47-18-123(a) to provide this longer window to cancel or return the product without penalty.

Maddy summaryHB 961 is a procedural bill that corrects a committee reference in Tennessee law. It changes the statutory description from "civil justice committee of the house of representatives" to "committee of the house of representatives with jurisdiction over subject matters pertaining to the code commission" across multiple sections of the Tennessee Code. The bill does not alter any laws, policies, or directly affect citizens or businesses - it only updates where the committee is named in legal references. This is a technical correction to ensure accurate committee designation for the Tennessee Code Commission's style guidelines. No policy changes or substantive impacts result from this bill.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically recognizes Analee Shaver as Miss Tennessee's Teen 2025. It highlights her community service through the Stand4Me initiative, her leadership roles at Collierville High School, dance achievements, and goal to become a speech language pathologist. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes; it is purely ceremonial recognition of her accomplishments. It was unanimously passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor.