Rep. William Lamberth

Maddy summaryHJR 193 is a resolution confirming Mark Rogers' appointment to Tennessee's State Forestry Commission, as required by Tennessee law (TCA § 11-4-201). It formally approves Governor Bill Lee's appointment of Rogers, a certified forester with 30+ years of experience, to serve a term ending June 30, 2029. This procedural resolution does not create new policy or affect broader groups - it solely confirms Rogers' eligibility to serve on the commission. The resolution was passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on March 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 173 is a routine procedural resolution confirming Governor Bill Lee's appointment of Terence Patterson to the Public Charter School Commission. It formally approves Patterson's service as a West Tennessee representative on the nine-member commission for a term ending June 30, 2029, as required by Tennessee law. The resolution does not create new policy or affect any stakeholders beyond confirming an existing appointment.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution confirming Governor Bill Lee's appointment of Eddie Smith to the Public Charter School Commission. It formally approves Smith's appointment as an East Tennessee representative on the nine-member commission, as required by Tennessee law (TCA §49-13-105). The resolution does not create new policy or affect any programs - it simply completes the statutory confirmation process for this existing appointment, which will expire June 30, 2029. Smith, currently director of programs at Childhelp Tennessee, was appointed under state law requiring three members from each grand division.

Maddy summaryHB 6002 amends Tennessee law to streamline disaster response and support. It authorizes the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) to assist local governments with recovery on public property upon request, and suspends certain unemployment benefit eligibility rules for residents or workers in counties with a federal major disaster declaration. The suspension applies only to claimants in areas where the state has sought federal disaster aid, allowing flexibility in processing claims during emergencies. These changes directly affect TEMA, local emergency agencies, and individuals seeking unemployment benefits in declared disaster zones. The bill modifies specific sections of Tennessee Code (50-7-302 and 58-2-106) to implement these provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 6004 creates the "Education Freedom Scholarship Act," allowing eligible Tennessee students to use public funds for private school tuition starting in the 2025-2026 school year. It directly affects Tennessee residents in grades K-12 who attend public schools (excluding homeschool or church-related school students), prioritizing lower-income families with household income under 300% of the free/reduced lunch threshold. The program allocates up to 20,000 scholarships annually, with 10,000 reserved for qualifying low-income students and 10,000 available to all eligible applicants, using income-based criteria for allocation. Scholarships are funded through state appropriations and administered by the Tennessee Department of Education.

Maddy summaryHB 6005 is a state budget bill that allocates funds for Tennessee's 2024-2025 fiscal years, covering state operations and specific programs. It provides $225.8 million annually for Education Freedom Scholarships, $210 million for Hurricane Helene disaster recovery funds (split between interest payments and emergency response), and $20 million to rebuild Hampton High School in Carter County. Additional funds include $240 million for military and disaster relief cost-sharing, $17 million for high-performing schools, and $6.2 million to cover expenses for the 114th General Assembly's extraordinary session. The bill directs state agencies to manage these funds for designated purposes without policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 6001 (proposed Tennessee legislation) creates a new "centralized immigration enforcement division" within the Department of Safety, led by a governor-appointed chief officer. It establishes criminal penalties (Class E felony) for local officials who adopt sanctuary policies, requiring their removal from office upon conviction. The bill also mandates temporary driver licenses for lawful permanent residents (instead of standard licenses) to help verify voter eligibility, and creates a grant program to fund local law enforcement collaboration with federal immigration authorities under the 287(g) program. These provisions directly affect state/local officials, immigrant residents, and law enforcement agencies in Tennessee.

Maddy summaryHB 6003 creates two state funds to support disaster recovery in Tennessee. The Hurricane Helene Interest Payment Fund helps local governments cover interest costs (capped at 5% or prime rate) on loans used for Hurricane Helene-related recovery, specifically for counties included in the federal disaster declaration. The Governor's Response and Recovery Fund provides broader assistance for agricultural recovery, unemployment aid, and business support following state emergencies, including Hurricane Helene. Both funds are managed by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and must be used exclusively for approved recovery purposes, with annual reports to legislative committees.

Maddy summaryHJR 55 is a resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Larry Riggsbee for his 30+ years of service as Sumner County Schools Transportation Director, during which he maintained a safety record with no student injuries requiring hospitalization or fatalities. The resolution recognizes his founding of the Tennessee Association of Pupil Transportation in 1982 and his 2024 induction into the National Association of Pupil Transportation Hall of Fame. As a symbolic gesture of appreciation, the resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally commends Riggsbee’s contributions to student safety and the transportation industry.

Maddy summaryHJR 112 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Robert Cooke "Bob" Irwin, a Knoxville resident who passed away. It formally recognizes his life, character, and legacy - highlighting his family, community involvement, and values - as a "beacon of kindness and wisdom." The resolution extends condolences to his surviving family, including his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended relatives. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or legal effect; it solely serves to commemorate his life and contributions.