Rep. Ed Butler

Maddy summaryThis bill honors American Legion Post 137 of Jamestown, Tennessee, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. It designates May 2026 as "American Legion Post 137 Centennial Month" to recognize the organization's century of service to veterans, military families, and the community. The resolution acknowledges the post's founding by Sergeant Alvin C. York in 1926 and its ongoing contributions through youth programs, civic initiatives, and patriotic observances. This is a commemorative measure with no changes to laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors Scotty Phillips of Anderson County, Tennessee, by formally recognizing his contributions to the community. It designates him as a distinguished citizen for his work as a bus driver and owner of the New River General Store, highlighting his lifelong dedication to improving quality of life in the area. The resolution expresses appreciation for his professionalism and community service but does not create new laws or policies. The document serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a legislative change.

Maddy summaryHB 387 prohibits Tennessee healthcare providers from asking patients about firearm ammunition or accessory ownership, possession, or access. It also bans denying treatment or discriminating against patients based on firearm ownership, and requires written notice if an inquiry occurs. Violations result in disciplinary action by the provider’s licensing board and a $1,000 fine per violation. The law applies to most healthcare providers (excluding psychiatrists/psychologists) and takes effect July 1, 2025. It directly affects patient-provider interactions in medical settings across Tennessee.

Maddy summaryHB 2333 restricts pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) in Tennessee by prohibiting them from modifying, restricting, or denying medications ordered by healthcare prescribers without proper process. It requires PBMs to respond to formulary exception or prior authorization requests within 24 hours for urgent cases or 72 hours otherwise, with requests deemed approved if unanswered. The bill also bans PBMs from retaliating against pharmacies or prescribers for exercising rights under the law and mandates annual reporting of response times and approval rates to state departments. This directly affects prescribers, pharmacies, and PBMs by protecting clinical decision-making and increasing transparency in medication access.

Maddy summaryHB 2332 requires pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) to reimburse contracted pharmacies for prescription drugs or services at no less than the highest of four specified amounts: the pharmacy’s actual cost, 105% of the national average drug cost (NADAC), the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC), or the amount the PBM pays itself for the same item. This directly affects independent pharmacies that contract with PBMs, ensuring they receive fairer compensation for dispensing medications. The bill establishes an appeal process for pharmacies disputing low reimbursements and mandates that PBMs pay double the owed amount if they fail to meet the required rate, with adjustments required within 14 days of a successful appeal. It also prohibits PBMs from deducting dispensing fees from reimbursement calculations.

Maddy summaryHB 2331 bars Tennessee state departments, agencies, or entities from contracting with pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) that have been disciplined by the Department of Finance and Administration or Department of Commerce and Insurance. The bill directly affects PBMs facing disciplinary actions and state agencies seeking to hire them. Key provisions amend multiple Tennessee codes to require this prohibition for all state contracts, renewals, or amendments entered after July 1, 2026. This policy change aims to prevent state entities from working with PBMs that have violated regulations. The law applies broadly to all state agencies, not just Medicaid programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1848 prohibits Tennessee insurers from denying or charging higher rates for Medicare supplement policies based on health status, specifically for "non-age eligible persons" under 65 who qualify for Medicare due to disability or end-stage renal disease. It requires insurers to offer these policies at the weighted average premium rate (calculated across all Medicare-eligible age groups) without waiting periods or preexisting condition exclusions. The law applies to applicants who submit applications within 60 days of their birthday when switching insurers, or during specified enrollment periods before January 2027. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, affecting insurers and this specific group of Medicare beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryHB 1845 requires courts to order a qualified expert evaluation in contested child custody, dependency/neglect, adoption, and guardianship cases where a guardian ad litem (GAL) is appointed, unless the court finds it unnecessary. The evaluation must be conducted by licensed professionals (e.g., psychologists, social workers), and the resulting report - covering the child’s medical, psychological, and behavioral history - becomes prima facie evidence of their best interests, which can be challenged only if shown incomplete or unreliable. The GAL must consider this report when forming their recommendation and explain any significant departure in writing. Courts must allocate evaluation costs based on each party’s ability to pay. This bill directly affects children in these proceedings, courts, GALs, and involved parties.

Maddy summaryHB 1849 allows Tennessee counties and cities operating school systems to establish an elected school superintendent position through a majority vote of their local legislative body. If adopted, the bill requires counties/municipalities to honor existing contracts of appointed directors until their terms end, prohibits new appointments after election creation, and sets minimum qualifications: a teacher's license with principal endorsement, a master's degree, and five years of combined teaching/administrative experience. Elected superintendents would serve four-year terms starting in August general elections. The bill directly affects local school governance structures in participating jurisdictions, shifting selection from appointed to elected leadership.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HJR 853) is a ceremonial honor for Eddie Cook, a Fentress County school board member who served for 25 years. It formally congratulates him on his 2025 induction into the Tennessee School Boards Association's Quarter Century Club, recognizing his long-term dedication to education. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the General Assembly's appreciation for his community leadership. It does not create new laws or affect any specific policies or individuals beyond the symbolic recognition.