Rep. Ryan Williams

Maddy summaryHB 2224 requires the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) board to include specific financial certifications in its annual report to the legislature. These certifications detail the normal contributions, accumulated liability contributions, and cost-of-living adjustments needed from employers to fund retirements for state judges and attorneys general in Groups 1, 3, and 4 of the retirement system. The bill amends Tennessee law to add this reporting requirement to the board’s existing annual report process. It does not change retirement benefits or funding levels, only the transparency of reporting.

Maddy summaryHB 2493 (Tennessee) adds advertising services to the state's sales tax, applying a tax to businesses with $100 million or more in annual revenue. It specifically covers services like digital, TV, radio, billboard, and print ads purchased by these large businesses for promoting their brands or products. The bill defines "advertising" broadly to include sponsorships and all public-facing promotional communications. This changes the tax law by making such advertising services taxable for qualifying businesses, effective January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1427 sets the annual salary for Putnam County General Sessions Court Judges equal to the salary received by Putnam County circuit court judges and chancellors as of September 1, 2030. Effective that date, their salaries must be adjusted annually based on Tennessee Code sections 8-23-103(2) and 16-15-5003, paid in 12 equal installments. The bill requires local approval by Putnam County’s legislative body via a two-thirds vote before taking effect, and repeals conflicting private acts. It directly affects Putnam County’s General Sessions Court Judges, aligning their compensation with circuit court judges’ pay starting in 2030.

Maddy summaryHB 1177 extends the time limit for filing misdemeanor charges against defendants found incompetent to stand trial from 11 months and 29 days to two years after arrest, unless the defendant is restored to competency. It directly affects misdemeanor defendants declared incompetent by a court, requiring prosecutors to move faster or dismiss charges if competency isn't restored. The bill also mandates that when such a defendant is released into the community after charges are dismissed due to incompetence, the chief officer must notify the court, provide a discharge notice, and share an outpatient treatment plan designed to ensure community safety. These changes update Tennessee Code Sections 33-7-301 and 52-6-102.

Maddy summaryHB 979 establishes a new licensure process for anesthesiologist assistants in Tennessee, directly affecting these healthcare professionals and hospitals that employ them. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 63-1-160(g) and related provisions in Titles 47, 63, and 68, removing restrictions that previously limited hospitals from employing certain licensed physicians for specific medical services. This change updates hospital staffing rules to align with current healthcare practices. The law became effective on July 1, 2025, following the Governor's signature on May 21, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 635 amends Tennessee tax law to require the Department of Revenue to study how adjusting taxable income (via adding back certain deductions or subtracting specific amounts) affects the economy. This study, mandated by the bill, must be completed and reported to legislative committees by January 1, 2026. The bill itself does not change current tax calculations but sets a process for potential future adjustments to net earnings. It became effective May 2, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summaryHB 764 requires that certain physical searches of students, locker searches, and property searches (like vehicles) on school grounds must be conducted solely by a school resource officer acting as a school official. It specifically mandates that schools must obtain parental consent before physically searching any student under 18 years old. The bill also explicitly states that all searches under this law must comply with the Fourth Amendment and Tennessee's constitutional protections against unreasonable searches. This bill directly affects school staff, students (especially minors), and parents/guardians by setting clear limits on who can conduct searches and when parental involvement is required.

Maddy summaryHB 1175, now enacted as Public Chapter 276, allows child care agencies in Tennessee to lease or purchase underutilized school district properties at fair market value. It classifies child care family homes as residential property for zoning and building code purposes, easing regulatory hurdles. The bill also permits host schools (public/private schools with child care programs) to use their existing fire inspections and facilities to meet provisional licensing requirements for child care agencies, reducing administrative barriers. These changes directly affect child care providers, school districts, and local governments managing underused facilities.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 644 is a ceremonial resolution honoring NHC Cookeville (a 104-bed assisted living facility in Cookeville, Tennessee) for being named the 2024 "NHC Center of the Year" by National HealthCare Corporation. It recognizes the facility's achievements, including its CMS 5-Star rating, high patient satisfaction scores, and prior industry awards, without creating any new laws or altering policy. The resolution has no direct impact on residents, staff, or regulations - it serves solely as symbolic recognition from the Tennessee General Assembly. This is a standard procedural resolution, not a substantive legislative change.

Maddy summaryHJR 517 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Captain Barry "Butch" Wilmore, a retired U.S. Navy captain and NASA astronaut. It recognizes his 464 days in space across three missions, including a 286-day extended stay aboard the International Space Station during the Boeing Starliner's inaugural crewed flight in 2024. The resolution, passed by the Tennessee General Assembly, formally commends his service to the U.S. Navy, NASA, and his ties to Tennessee (including his alma mater, Tennessee Tech University). As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.