Rep. William Lamberth

Maddy summaryHB 1302 renames Tennessee's meat inspection law to the "Tennessee Meat Inspection Act" and revises it to establish a state-run meat inspection program. The bill directly affects meat processors, slaughterhouses ("establishments"), and small-scale operations ("custom operations") that prepare meat for sale within Tennessee. Key provisions define terms like "meat," clarify that state inspections replace federal oversight for intrastate commerce, and exclude household use of home-slaughtered meat or retail operations using federally inspected products. The law gives Tennessee's Department of Agriculture exclusive authority over meat inspections within the state, while maintaining existing requirements under other food safety laws.

Maddy summaryHB 1321 reorganizes Tennessee's tourism department by creating a marketing division to promote tourism investments and attractions, and a new welcome centers division to manage all state welcome centers. It requires the Department of Tourism (formerly "Tourist Development") to coordinate with the Department of Transportation on welcome center maintenance and directs the commissioner of finance to redirect highway user taxes to fund welcome center operations. This bill directly affects state tourism operations, welcome center staffing and maintenance, and shifts funding sources from highway maintenance to tourism infrastructure. The changes take effect immediately upon the governor's signature, as confirmed by the bill's effective date of May 21, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1408 amends Tennessee Code to allow state agencies managing the Access Tennessee health insurance program fund to report financial activity either monthly or quarterly, instead of strictly monthly. This change applies to agencies handling funds established under the Access Tennessee Act of 2006. The bill modifies specific sections across multiple code titles to align with annual budget implementation requirements. It directly affects state agencies responsible for administering the health insurance program fund. The bill became effective May 21, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summaryHB 1376 creates a regulatory framework for hemp-derived cannabinoid products (HDCPs) in Tennessee, requiring licenses for businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell these products. It establishes taxes on HDCPs, mandates age verification (proof of age 21+), and defines specific products like Delta-8 THC (limited to 0.3% THC) while excluding most CBD products. The law directly affects suppliers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers, with enforcement handled by the Alcoholic Beverage Commission and Department of Revenue. Signed into law on May 21, 2025, it takes effect on May 21, 2025, with some provisions effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 69 requires Tennessee to create two secure electronic portals by January 1, 2028, to verify voter eligibility before processing registration applications. The first portal will let county election offices check if applicants are U.S. citizens using records from the Department of Safety (like driver's license data), and the second will verify felony conviction status using Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) records. The bill also updates driver's license laws to require proof of U.S. citizenship for new licenses and removes references to non-citizens in eligibility criteria. These changes directly affect voter applicants, county election administrators, and the Department of Safety/TBI in their verification processes.

Maddy summaryHB 1409 is Tennessee's enacted state budget for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, authorizing funding for all state government operations. It allocates specific amounts to the legislative branch (including $33.6 million for the House of Representatives), judicial systems (covering courts, legal aid, and court services), and executive agencies (such as the Attorney General's office). The bill details funding for routine functions like salaries, court operations, and public services, without creating new policies or programs. It became law on May 21, 2025, and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1314 creates two new criminal offenses in Tennessee. First, it makes it a felony (Class E or D depending on circumstances) to recklessly threaten mass violence (defined as an act likely to cause serious harm to four or more people), especially if targeting schools, government buildings, or events. Second, it creates a misdemeanor (Class B or A) for posting someone’s home address or phone number online with the intent to cause harm to them or their family. The law applies to all individuals, including threats made via social media or text, but excludes public officials acting within their legal duties. Violators may face prison time and be ordered to pay restitution for disruptions caused by their threats.

Maddy summaryHB 1407 authorizes Tennessee to issue up to $1.009 billion in state bonds to fund infrastructure projects. The bill directs funds specifically for state building improvements ($795.5 million), state office facilities ($134 million), and highway/bridge construction and repairs ($80 million). These bonds will finance equipment, site acquisition, construction, and repairs for state agencies, local governments, counties, and special districts. The funds are allocated through the Department of Finance and Administration and the Department of Transportation for approved public projects.

Maddy summaryHB 1330, the "Less is More Act of 2025," requires Tennessee state boards and commissions to allow public participation via video or audio conference during meetings, with specific rules for accessibility. It mandates that governing bodies provide real-time public viewing/listening options, publish clear notices about electronic participation, post meeting recordings online within three business days, and maintain recordings for at least one year. The bill directly affects all state boards, agencies, and commissions by changing their meeting procedures to increase transparency and public access. Key provisions include requiring electronic meeting notices to specify physical attendance locations, ensuring audio clarity for remote participants, and requiring annual physical quorum meetings to prevent prolonged virtual-only governance. This law took effect May 21, 2025, for most provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1326 changes Tennessee law to establish a property owner's development rights (a "vested right") when they submit a development plan or building permit application to local government, rather than waiting for official approval. This right lasts for three years from the submission date, during which the development standards in effect at the time of submission remain fixed. The bill requires plans to substantially comply with local regulations to trigger this right, and it amends multiple sections of Tennessee law to replace "approval" with "submission" throughout. This directly affects property developers, builders, and local governments by altering when development rights become protected under state law.