Rep. William Lamberth

Maddy summaryHB 1324 transfers governance of the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) from its current board to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, effective July 1, 2025. It also changes the name of the "Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant" to "TennesseeWORKS scholarship" throughout state law, including in sections governing scholarship eligibility and administration. The bill makes technical updates to align references with the new name and clarifies TSAC's operational structure as a division under the Higher Education Commission. These changes affect TSAC's management, scholarship programs, and related funding mechanisms without introducing new funding or altering student eligibility criteria. The bill primarily corrects existing statutory language and reorganizes administrative oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 1311 modifies Tennessee health licensing rules to streamline processes and clarify record requirements. It removes the need for health board licenses to be signed by board members, allows presiding officers to split boards into panels for disciplinary hearings, and requires healthcare providers to share patient billing records alongside medical records when the Department of Health requests them. The bill also restricts disclosure of sensitive information (like patient identities or medical records) in disciplinary cases, permitting release only via law enforcement subpoenas. These changes directly affect all healthcare providers and facilities licensed under Tennessee’s health regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 113 permanently removes a temporary expiration date for a provision that excludes certain testing equipment from being classified as drug paraphernalia. Specifically, it clarifies that devices used to detect synthetic opioids (like fentanyl) in controlled substances are not considered paraphernalia, unless the equipment is used to commit a drug offense. This change directly affects law enforcement, forensic labs, and harm reduction organizations that use such testing equipment. The bill amends Tennessee law to make this exclusion permanent, removing the prior July 1, 2025, repeal date.

Maddy summaryHB 110 gives Tennessee's banking commissioner authority to determine the specific type, amount, and other requirements for deposit insurance that each state bank must maintain, rather than applying fixed standards. This directly affects all state banks operating in Tennessee by shifting oversight from rigid rules to case-by-case commissioner decisions. The commissioner must consider five key factors: a bank's safety and soundness, its role in promoting Tennessee's economic progress, public confidence in banking, industry input, and other relevant considerations. The bill also requires the commissioner to create implementing rules following standard administrative procedures, with the law taking effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 74 is a ceremonial resolution commending Alie Tunks for her service as a legislative intern working for Representative William Lamberth during Tennessee's 2025 legislative session. It recognizes her academic achievements at Trevecca Nazarene University, work ethic, and contributions to the legislative process. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a formal expression of appreciation for her role. As a procedural resolution, it does not alter laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryHB 115 amends Tennessee law to protect state employees who publish certain tax refund information as required by existing law. It clarifies that no criminal penalty, fine, or job loss may be imposed on department of revenue officers or other state employees who, in good faith, publish the names of taxpayers receiving franchise tax refunds on the department’s website by June 2025. The bill specifically shields employees acting in accordance with the existing requirement under Section 67-1-1709. It does not change the underlying requirement to publish the information but removes legal risks for compliance. This is a clarifying amendment, not a new policy, and became law as Public Chapter 75 on April 8, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1340 requires individuals seeking to become online notary publics in Tennessee to complete a state-approved course covering notarial laws, online technology procedures, and ethics, then pass an exam. It also mandates applicants certify they understand and will comply with state rules governing online notarizations. These changes apply directly to new and existing online notaries seeking commission in Tennessee, effective January 1, 2026. The bill updates qualification standards under Tennessee Code Title 8, Chapter 16, Part 3.

Maddy summaryHB 1337 creates a new 5-day application window for Tennessee nonprofit organizations to seek approval for charitable gaming events during the 2025-2026 fiscal year (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It directly affects nonprofits that host fundraising events like bingo or raffles, allowing them to apply within five days after the bill’s effective date. The bill adds this new application period to existing rules and requires the state secretary to update a public list of approved organizations within 10 days of the bill’s effective date. These changes streamline the process for nonprofits seeking to operate annual charitable gaming events under Tennessee law.

Maddy summaryHB 1319 extends Tennessee's CoverKids program, which provides health insurance for children, by changing its expiration date from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2030. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 71-3-1113 to update this deadline. The bill directly affects low-income children and families enrolled in CoverKids, ensuring continued eligibility for coverage through 2030. This is a straightforward extension of an existing program, with no changes to eligibility criteria or funding structure. The bill became law on April 8, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1320 grants Tennessee's Department of Transportation commissioner emergency authority to bypass standard procurement rules during transportation system failures or crises. The commissioner can immediately contract for design-build, construction manager/general contractor (CM/GC), or progressive design-build (PDB) services without following typical bidding processes. It exempts emergency contracts over $100 million from needing inclusion in the annual transportation improvement plan submitted to the legislature, though the department must notify specific legislative committees and file documentation within 30 days. The bill also updates proposal evaluation procedures to streamline emergency contracting while maintaining oversight requirements.