Rep. Michael Hale

Maddy summaryHB 1836 increases the reimbursement rate for ambulance services under TennCare from 67.5% to 110% of the federal Medicare program's allowable charges for participating providers. It also deletes the Ground Ambulance Service Provider Assessment Act, removing a requirement for ambulance providers to pay an annual assessment. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, and specifies that any remaining funds in the ambulance service assessment revenue fund after June 30, 2026, must stay in the fund until expended. This change directly affects ambulance service providers participating in TennCare.

Maddy summaryHB 1835 requires Tennessee's Department of Human Services to apply for federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (SEBT) funds annually when the program is available. This would provide nutrition assistance via electronic benefits during summer months for eligible low-income children, ensuring continued food access when schools are closed. The bill amends state law (Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49 and Title 71) to mandate this application process. It directly affects qualifying children in Tennessee who rely on school meal programs during the academic year.

Maddy summaryHB 1486 would create a temporary sales tax exemption for food and food ingredients in Tennessee, specifically for residents aged 65 or older. The exemption applies to purchases made between July 1 and September 30, 2026, during which time these items would be tax-free. The bill excludes sales from micro markets or vending machines, and amends Tennessee’s tax code (Sections 67-6-228 and 67-6-393) to implement this change. This policy directly affects senior citizens in Tennessee who shop for eligible food items during the specified period.

Maddy summaryHB 8 requires Tennessee colleges and universities to provide eligible campus police and public safety officers with an annual $800 cash bonus for completing required in-service training. The bill specifically applies to officers at Tennessee institutions of higher education who meet training requirements. It also ensures officers serving in the military during active conflicts (and missing training due to that service) receive the bonus. The provision takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 7 creates a state grant program to help Tennessee colleges and universities address student hunger. It requires participating institutions (including public universities like the University of Tennessee and accredited private schools) to establish a student-inclusive hunger task force, operate or partner with a campus food pantry, and use grant funds for meal programs or pantry support. Institutions receiving grants must also report annually on their efforts to reduce food insecurity and share data about student needs. The program, administered by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, depends on future legislative funding appropriations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors and commends the Jackson County High School boys' basketball team for winning the 2026 TSSAA Division I, Class A state championship. The resolution recognizes the team's historic first state title, their 32-5 season record, and the individual achievements of players and coaches who contributed to their success. It does not create any new laws, funding, or policy changes but serves as an official acknowledgment of the team's accomplishments by the Tennessee General Assembly.

Maddy summaryHB 2267 would allow utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) used for farming to operate on state highways and county roads without being restricted to a 45 mph speed limit. Currently, UTVs are generally limited to roads with a 45 mph speed limit or lower, but this bill exempts agricultural use from that speed restriction. Other existing rules - such as where UTVs can be operated (e.g., not on certain highways) - still apply. This change directly affects farmers and agricultural businesses that use UTVs for work on public roads.

Maddy summaryHB 1478 amends Tennessee's public records law to add "provider reimbursement information provided to the comptroller of the treasury" to the list of proprietary data exempt from public disclosure. This change directly affects healthcare providers and service organizations that submit reimbursement details to the state comptroller, as this data will no longer need to be shared publicly. The bill modifies existing law (TCA Section 71-5-142) by expanding the definition of exempt information, without creating new reporting requirements. It is a procedural update to clarify which data types remain confidential under current public records statutes.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution honors Miles Alexander, a sophomore at Cannon County High School, for scoring more than 1,000 points in his high school basketball career. The measure formally recognizes his achievement by joining the 1,000-Point Club for Tennessee high school basketball and expresses congratulations on his accomplishment. The resolution directs that a copy of the document be prepared for presentation to Alexander, with the final clause omitted from the version he receives. This is a commemorative action that does not create new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors Chloe VanVranken for achieving a milestone in her high school basketball career. It recognizes her accomplishment of scoring more than 1,000 points while playing for DeKalb County High School, joining an exclusive group of Tennessee high school athletes known as the 1,000-Point Club. The resolution expresses appreciation for her athletic success and leadership qualities, noting her achievement as a source of pride for her family, school, and community. The document serves as an official commendation rather than a law with enforceable requirements, and it will be presented to Ms. VanVranken as a symbolic gesture of recognition.