Rep. Michael Hale

Maddy summaryHB 498 creates an advisory task force to review and recommend annual adjustments to state reimbursement rates paid to healthcare agencies in Tennessee. The task force, composed of 6 appointed members (3 by each legislative chamber, representing different health professions) and ex-officio agency representatives, will focus on ensuring rates cover agency costs, staff salaries, and administrative needs. It must submit annual recommendations by August 1, starting in 2026, to state officials and legislative committees, considering factors like provider costs, staff compensation, and workforce shortages. The bill directly affects healthcare agencies providing state-funded services, aiming to make reimbursement rates more adequate without changing existing funding levels.

Maddy summaryHB 711, the "TennCare Network Reporting Reform Act," requires Tennessee's TennCare program to publicly report specific service access metrics starting January 2026. It mandates annual publication of data on network adequacy, service utilization percentages, appointment wait times, and time between service approval and receipt - broken down by service type, county, and demographics. This applies directly to TennCare beneficiaries in 1115(c) and 1915(c) waiver programs (including CHOICES and disability support services) and their providers. The data must be published on TennCare's website in downloadable format, improving transparency about access to services. The bill does not change eligibility or benefits but focuses on standardizing public reporting of service delivery metrics.

Maddy summaryHB 9 revises Tennessee's K-12 school funding formula (TISA) to adjust weighted student allocations based on school district size and add a direct infrastructure grant. It changes funding percentages for districts of different sizes (e.g., districts with 1,000-1,999 students now receive 4% instead of previous rates) and establishes a $50 direct allocation per student for school maintenance and infrastructure. This affects all Tennessee public school districts (LEAs) and their students, applying to the 2025-2026 school year and beyond. The bill does not change overall funding levels but redistributes existing resources based on district size and adds the per-student infrastructure grant.

Maddy summaryHB 366 modifies Tennessee's property tax rules for buildings damaged by disasters. It requires property assessors to prorate taxes for buildings destroyed, demolished, or substantially damaged by events like fires or floods between September 1 and December 31 of a year, if not restored by January 1 of the next year. The prorated amount is applied to the following tax year instead of charging the full year's tax. For federally declared disasters, property owners may request a prorated tax reduction for the actual time the building was damaged (exceeding 30 days) by applying to the assessor by January 1 (or June 30, 2025 for 2024 taxes), with county approval needed. The changes apply retroactively to January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution honoring Chloe Collins, a Smith County High School senior basketball player, for becoming the 1,000th point scorer in her high school career. The resolution formally recognizes her achievement - specifically her 25-point performance against Monterey High School on February 4, 2025 - and her status as one of the elite players in the school's history. It contains no policy changes or funding mechanisms, as it is solely a symbolic gesture of recognition by the Tennessee General Assembly. The resolution was signed by the House Speaker, Senate Speaker, and Governor in March 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial memorial resolution, not a substantive bill. HJR 254 honors the life and legacy of Dr. Frank Maxey "Max" Petett, a former Jackson County High School principal and public servant from Tennessee, following his passing. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family and commemorates his dedication to education, family values, and community service. It contains no policy changes or funding mechanisms, as it is a standard commemorative measure for a deceased public figure.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally commends Addison McBroom for being the first graduate of DeKalb Christian Academy, recognizing her academic achievements, leadership, community service (including music ministry and tutoring), and future aspirations to become an optometrist. It directly honors her as an exceptional student who balanced high school, college coursework, and part-time work while earning high honors. The resolution has no policy or funding provisions - it is purely ceremonial, expressing the General Assembly’s admiration through a formal statement of commendation.

Maddy summaryHJR 252 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Chloe Powell, a senior at Smith County High School, for becoming the 1,000th point scorer in her high school basketball career. The resolution recognizes her achievement during a semifinal game at the Tampa Christmas Invitational, where she scored her 1,000th point against Lakewood Ranch High School. It expresses legislative support for her accomplishments and perseverance, without creating any new laws or policies. The resolution was signed by the Governor on March 12, 2025, and serves solely as a symbolic tribute.

Maddy summaryHB 28 prevents insurance companies from forcing visually impaired vehicle owners to buy commercial liability insurance if their car isn't used for business. It directly affects visually impaired drivers (defined as blind or partially blind) who currently face this requirement for personal vehicles. The law adds a new provision to Tennessee insurance law, clarifying that "commercial purposes" does not include hiring a driver for personal use of the vehicle. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, applying to new or renewed insurance policies after that date.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HJR 293) is a ceremonial honor for the T.B. Sutton General Store in Granville, Tennessee, on its 100th anniversary. It recognizes the store's historical significance as a National Register landmark, its role in the community since the 1800s, its unique offerings (handmade goods, bluegrass music, artisan gallery), and its 2010 gift to the museum. The resolution contains no policy changes, funding, or legal obligations - only symbolic recognition of the store's owners, staff, and contributions. The resolution was introduced on February 26, 2025, but withdrawn the next day and never advanced.