Rep. William Lamberth

Maddy summaryHB 1305 changes Tennessee law to require the Department of Children's Services to provide relative caregivers with 15 days' written notice (instead of 10 days) before imposing new payment requirements. This directly affects relatives caring for children in foster care who receive state payments. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee law (Title 37 and Title 71) to implement this longer notice period. The change focuses solely on the timing of written communication to caregivers, with no other policy shifts described in the bill text.

Maddy summaryHB 1336 removes an outdated reporting requirement from Tennessee education law. Specifically, it deletes a provision that previously mandated the Tennessee Department of Education, working with the State Board and the Higher Education Commission, to submit a report by July 1, 2024, on how student literacy legislation was being implemented. This change affects education agencies responsible for preparing such reports. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 49-1-908 and related titles, eliminating a now-obsolete administrative task.

Maddy summaryHB 1313 changes Tennessee's penalties for employer violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act by aligning them with federal OSHA maximums instead of fixed amounts. It replaces the current $7,000 maximum penalty per violation and $70,000 for willful/repeated violations with the highest federal penalty allowed by OSHA. This bill directly affects Tennessee employers who violate workplace safety laws, as their potential fines will now adjust based on federal standards rather than set state limits. The changes apply to violations occurring on or after July 1, 2025, if the bill becomes law. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 50, Chapter 3, Part 4.

Maddy summaryHB 1335 requires Tennessee's Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) to submit an annual report by February 1st to the governor, Senate Speaker, and House Speaker. The report must detail TEMA's recovery efforts from the previous calendar year and include recommendations to improve future recovery efficiency. This bill amends several Tennessee Code sections (including TCA Title 58, Chapter 2) to establish this mandatory reporting requirement. The change directly affects TEMA's administrative process, adding a transparency measure for state leadership without altering disaster response policies or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1334 removes an outdated requirement for Tennessee's Department of Transportation to submit a report by February 15, 2024, on pedestrian safety planning. The bill deletes Section 54-1-104 of the Tennessee Code, which previously mandated this report to be prepared in consultation with safety agencies and law enforcement. This change affects only the Department of Transportation by eliminating a now-obsolete reporting obligation. The bill makes no substantive policy changes to pedestrian safety or transportation planning.

Maddy summaryHB 1331 modifies Tennessee's unemployment benefits rules during declared emergencies and expands the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency's (TEMA) disaster recovery role. It suspends certain personal eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits in counties where the state has requested a major federal disaster declaration, allowing the commissioner flexibility to adjust reporting based on federal guidance. The bill also adds a new provision authorizing TEMA to assist local governments and emergency management agencies with recovery efforts on public property after disasters. These changes directly affect Tennessee residents in declared disaster counties and local governments managing public property recovery. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections 50-7-302 (unemployment) and 58-2-106 (TEMA authority).

Maddy summaryHB 1333 requires Tennessee's Department of Safety to submit an annual report by February 1st to the governor and legislative leaders. The report must track how many people received increased penalties in court for violent crimes or weapon offenses when they were noncitizens, showing totals statewide and by county. This bill mandates data collection on existing sentencing practices but does not change penalty laws. It affects how the state monitors sentencing outcomes for noncitizens under current statutes. The bill focuses on transparency, not policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution schedules a one-week recess for Tennessee's 114th General Assembly, setting a recess from the close of business on January 27, 2025, through February 3, 2025. The House of Representatives reconvenes on February 3 at 2:00 p.m. CST, and the Senate reconvenes at 3:00 p.m. CST, as required by the Tennessee Constitution. It directly affects the legislative calendar for both chambers during the 2025 regular session.

Maddy summaryHB 112 would have expanded bereavement leave for certain state employees in Tennessee. It specifically added staff from the Tennessee sports wagering council and full-time members of the parole board and inmate disciplinary oversight board to the list of employees eligible for extended leave. The bill proposed granting up to 10 days of paid leave for the death of a spouse, child, or stepchild, 5 days for parents or stepparents, and 3 days for siblings, grandparents, or foster parents. These changes applied only to employees covered under the amended sections of state law, which were not enacted as the bill was withdrawn on February 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 62 is a procedural resolution setting the schedule for the Tennessee General Assembly's 2025 legislative session. It directs the House to recess from January 27 to February 3, 2025, and the Senate to recess from January 27 to February 10, 2025, with specific return times. This resolution only affects the legislative calendar and does not create new laws or impact citizens. It was passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor.