Rep. Ed Butler

Maddy summaryHB 383 requires Tennessee's health commissioner to add alpha-gal syndrome - a rare meat allergy triggered by tick bites - to the state's official list of reportable diseases by July 1, 2025. Healthcare providers must then report diagnosed cases to the Department of Health under existing rules. This bill directly affects medical professionals who will need to submit these reports and public health officials who will track the condition. The law amends Tennessee Code Titles 4, 63, and 68 to implement this change, effective March 26, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 385 creates a process for TennCare-participating healthcare providers to certify their unreimbursed costs as charitable contributions for federal tax purposes. Eligible providers (including individual practitioners and group practices) must pay $25 annually to TennCare to receive this certification. "Unreimbursed costs" are defined as the gap between 125% of federal Medicaid rates and TennCare's actual payments for services to TennCare recipients. The bill allows providers to use this certification to claim tax deductions under federal law, but does not change TennCare reimbursement rates or provide new funding.

Maddy summaryHB 588 creates a new Class E felony for altering, covering, defacing, destroying, or removing a firearm's permanent serial number or other distinguishing mark, or for selling, buying, or possessing such a modified firearm. It directly affects individuals who tamper with firearm identification or handle altered guns. The bill imposes a mandatory 180-day prison sentence for violations, with no eligibility for early release. If passed, the law would take effect on July 1, 2025, and amend Tennessee’s criminal code sections related to firearms and offenses.

Maddy summaryHJR 213 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Aaron Summerall, a Roane County youth volunteer, for receiving Tennessee's Governor's Volunteer Stars Award. It recognizes his community service through school leadership, HOSA involvement, Boys State participation, and youth representation in opioid settlement decisions. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses legislative appreciation through a formal commendation. As a joint resolution (HJR), it does not create new laws or affect any individuals beyond the symbolic recognition of Summerall's volunteer work.

Maddy summaryHJR 214 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Teresa Cochran, a Roane County volunteer who received Tennessee's Governor's Volunteer Stars Award. It formally recognizes her three years of service with the Roane County Anti-Drug Coalition, including monthly school visits with her service dog Waylon and involvement in youth reform programs. The resolution, passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor, serves as a symbolic tribute to her community contributions but does not create new laws or policies. It directly affects only Teresa Cochran as the recipient of this formal legislative acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes Meadow Hayes, a Clarkrange High School student from Fentress County, for receiving Tennessee's Governor's Volunteer Stars Award. It honors her volunteer work with the school cheerleading team, FCCLA organization, Interact club, and Fentress County Youth Fair Board, highlighting her community service contributions. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute to her leadership and dedication. It was enacted by Tennessee's General Assembly and signed by the Governor in February 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 216 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Haylee Martin, a Fentress County volunteer, for receiving Tennessee's Governor's Volunteer Stars Award. It recognizes her community service, including roles as Rotary Club president, volunteer coordinator for Quality Hospice Care, and board member for the Fentress Hope Foundation. The resolution formally congratulates her for dedicating over 99 million annual volunteer hours across Tennessee and embodies the "spirit of service" in the Volunteer State. This non-binding resolution was signed into law by the Governor on February 27, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 217 is a symbolic resolution honoring Lily Shelton, a volunteer from Anderson County, for receiving Tennessee's Governor's Volunteer Stars Award. It recognizes her community service, leadership as Interact Club president, and role in inspiring peer volunteerism, citing Tennessee's 1.3 million volunteers contributing $2.6 billion annually to the state economy. The resolution was unanimously passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor in February 2025, but it has no legal effect or policy impact - it serves solely as a ceremonial tribute.

Maddy summaryHJR 218 is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) honoring Eric Enger, a community volunteer from Anderson County, for receiving Tennessee's Governor's Volunteer Stars Award. It recognizes his work mentoring middle school students through YOKE Youth Ministry, which expanded to new clubs in Clinton, Lake City, and Oak Ridge. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply expresses legislative appreciation for Enger’s volunteer service. It was formally adopted by both chambers and signed by the Governor in February 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a joint resolution (HJR 77), not a bill, commending TVA-affiliated distributors for efforts to add power generation capacity. It recognizes that these distributors - electric cooperatives and municipal utilities purchasing power from TVA - can generate up to 10% of their own electricity demand, supporting grid stability and local economic growth. The resolution formally praises these ongoing efforts but does not create new laws or change existing policies. It was unanimously adopted by the Tennessee House of Representatives in February 2025.