Rep. Michael Hale

Maddy summaryHB 600, the "Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act," requires companies that produce packaging materials to join a new organization responsible for funding recycling, reuse, and composting systems for covered packaging. It directly affects packaging producers (like those making food containers or product wrappers), mandating they help finance local recycling infrastructure instead of relying solely on government programs. The bill covers most packaging types but excludes medical products, beverage containers under future deposit systems, and long-term storage packaging. Its key goal is to divert recyclable waste from landfills, create jobs in recycling, and recover materials that would otherwise be discarded.

Maddy summaryHB 1121 amends Tennessee's financial aid law to expand eligibility for dual enrollment grants, allowing sophomores in high school to qualify if admitted to a postsecondary institution. Previously, only juniors and seniors were eligible, but this bill adds sophomores to the qualifying student categories. The change affects high school students seeking to take college courses while still enrolled in high school through dual enrollment programs. The amendment takes effect July 1, 2025, and updates Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 4.

Maddy summaryHB 1485 allows retired or separated Tennessee law enforcement officers to maintain annual POST certification after leaving their agency, provided they meet specific requirements. To qualify, officers must complete approved training, provide agency verification of good standing, prove Tennessee residency annually, and pay associated fees. The law explicitly prohibits pay supplements for this certification and requires retirees to notify the commission immediately if they move out of state. This directly affects former officers seeking to retain certification for potential future employment or other purposes, without altering existing certification standards for active officers.

Maddy summaryHJR 884 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Tennessee line workers, first responders, and highway/transportation crews for their work during Winter Storm Fern in January 2026. It recognizes their efforts restoring power, responding to emergencies, and clearing roads amid dangerous ice, snow, and freezing temperatures that caused widespread outages and disruptions. The resolution, passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor on February 18, 2026, formally expresses gratitude for these workers' "brave and tireless" service during the storm. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy or financial impact - it solely serves to publicly acknowledge these essential workers' contributions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 760) honoring Jackson County High School boys' basketball coach Kevin Thomas for achieving 500 career wins. The resolution formally recognizes his coaching milestones, including leading teams to a state Final Four appearance, and his service at his alma mater. It has no policy impact - it is a symbolic tribute with no new laws, funding, or obligations. The resolution passed unanimously in both chambers and is now pending the Governor's signature.

Maddy summaryHB 1046 clarifies an individual's right to refuse donating their body or body parts for medical use (anatomical gifts), directly affecting patients, terminal patients, and their families. It requires individuals to provide a written refusal (or terminal patients to state it orally) that legally blocks others from making or changing a donation decision. Procurement organizations must follow strict procedures: if a refusal exists, they cannot contact family and must immediately release remains to the funeral home authorized by the next of kin. The bill also adds penalties for repeated violations by organizations, including $500 fines after three violations.

Maddy summaryHB 2269 allows Tennessee residents to handle probate for small estates themselves (pro se) if the estate consists solely of life insurance policies valued at $15,000 or less, intended for the decedent's burial, funeral, or final expenses. The bill requires courts to provide a standardized form for these filings and clarifies that filers act as individuals - not as estate representatives - when settling priority debts. It amends Tennessee probate law (TCA Title 30, Section 56-7-206 and Title 62, Chapter 5) to streamline this process for eligible cases. This directly affects individuals managing small estates where life insurance covers final expenses, without needing a lawyer.

Maddy summaryHB 2218 requires anyone seeking appointment to a county board of zoning appeals in Tennessee to have resided in that county for at least 12 months prior to their appointment. This rule directly affects individuals seeking these local government positions, including community members and professionals interested in zoning decisions. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections related to zoning (Titles 5, 6, 7, 12, and 13) to implement this residency requirement. The key change is a new eligibility standard for board members, replacing any existing rules that might have allowed shorter residency periods. This policy change aims to ensure appointed members have a demonstrated connection to the local community.

Maddy summaryHB 1730 would change Tennessee's medical malpractice law by removing a three-year deadline for filing lawsuits based on injuries discovered later. Currently, patients must sue within three years of the negligent medical act, even if they only discovered the injury afterward. This bill would allow lawsuits to be filed within one year of discovering the injury instead. It directly affects patients who learn about medical harm after the current three-year period has expired.

Maddy summaryHB 1548 removes an outdated requirement that the comptroller of the treasury study prescription drug costs and usage in nursing homes for TennCare. This provision, which mandated a 2005 report to legislative leaders, is no longer needed as its deadline has long passed. The bill deletes Section 71-5-195 from Tennessee law, eliminating a procedural obligation with no current effect on policy or operations.