Rep. William Lamberth

Maddy summaryHB 2185 authorizes Tennessee's election coordinator to create an electronic portal that can access federal immigration verification data from the SAVE program (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) via a secure web service, if the U.S. Department of Homeland Security makes this data available. The bill directly affects Tennessee election officials who would use this portal to verify voter eligibility. Key provisions allow the portal to access SAVE data securely upon federal availability, without requiring new federal data sharing. This is a procedural update to election law, not a new eligibility requirement, and only activates if DHS-USCIS provides the data through a secure channel.

Maddy summaryHB 1704 would create two Class A misdemeanors in Tennessee: (1) intentionally failing to leave the state within 90 days after a final federal removal order, and (2) intentionally re-entering the state after being denied admission, excluded, deported, or removed by federal authorities. It directly affects undocumented immigrants subject to federal removal orders or denied entry, making certain immigration status violations criminal offenses. The bill requires courts to pause criminal proceedings until individuals exhaust all federal legal options to challenge the removal order. The law’s key provisions are conditional, with Section 2 (re-entry offense) only taking effect after specific federal court decisions or legislative changes affecting state immigration authority.

Maddy summaryHB 2536 changes who serves on three Tennessee insurance committees. It replaces members appointed by organizations (like the Tennessee State Employees Association or Tennessee School Boards Association) with members appointed directly by the commissioner of finance and administration. Specifically, it adds a "preferred service employee" to the state insurance committee, requires school board representatives to be chosen by the commissioner (not the School Boards Association), and has municipal/county employees appointed by the commissioner for local government insurance roles. These changes apply to state employees, school districts, and local governments participating in Tennessee's group insurance programs, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee House resolution honors the 105th Attack Squadron of the Tennessee Air National Guard on its 105th anniversary. The document acknowledges the unit's long history, tracing its roots to World War I and detailing its extensive service in various conflicts and humanitarian missions over the last century. It formally expresses gratitude for the squadron's contributions to national security and freedom, noting its recent transition to operating the MQ-9 Reaper drone. The resolution serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee House resolution honors Ann Sanders "Sandy" Dickey on her retirement after a thirty-eight-year career with FedEx. The measure formally recognizes her professional contributions, including her leadership in government affairs and her receipt of the company's highest award. Passed unanimously by the House, the resolution expresses congratulations and well wishes for her future but does not change any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2540 updates Tennessee state employment rules for government workers. It directly affects all state employees by adding a new provision prohibiting harassment during hiring (Section 7) and overhauling the appeal process for disputes like discipline or termination (Section 12). Key changes include requiring written appeals within 14 days, establishing a two-step review process with specific timelines, and clarifying that executive service employees cannot file certain appeals. The bill removes outdated sections about employment classifications and procedures while introducing concrete new rules for fair hiring and grievance handling.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee House resolution honors Terry Vantrease for his distinguished service as Sergeant at Arms for the House of Representatives. The measure formally commends his professionalism and integrity during his tenure since 2016 and acknowledges his background as a military veteran, ordained minister, and community leader. The bill is procedural, as it directs the preparation of a copy of the resolution for presentation to Mr. Vantrease without the final clause.

Maddy summaryHB 1641 extends the deadline for Tennessee's Department of Transportation to submit its annual report on blocked highway-rail grade crossings. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 65-3-124 by changing the report's submission deadline from July 1, 2027, to July 1, 2028. This procedural change affects the Department of Transportation, which must continue collecting and reporting federal railroad administration data on blocked crossings. The bill does not alter the report's content or create new requirements - it only delays the submission timeline by one year.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee House resolution authorizes specific nonprofit organizations to hold annual charitable gaming events, such as raffles and reverse raffles, between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. The bill directly affects a list of approved entities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, various foundations, and local booster clubs, by granting them permission to conduct these fundraising activities in their respective counties. It lists the names, addresses, dates, and types of events for each approved organization, ensuring compliance with state laws that require legislative approval for such activities. This measure does not create new rules but rather ratifies the specific events that have already been vetted and approved by the state's Division of Charitable Solicitations, Fantasy Sports, and Gaming.

Maddy summaryHB 2629 amends Tennessee law to allow nursing home care grant payments under the state's grant assistance program to be made either monthly or quarterly, rather than exclusively monthly. This change directly affects nursing homes receiving state grants for care services by providing flexibility in how they receive funding. The bill specifically revises Tennessee Code Annotated §71-5-1305 to replace "monthly" with "monthly or quarterly" in payment terms. It does not alter grant amounts or eligibility but streamlines payment scheduling for providers. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on administrative payment timing.