Maddy summaryHB 817 changes Tennessee trust law to clarify beneficiary roles and streamline trust administration. It establishes that beneficiaries are non-fiduciaries by default unless formally appointed, and sets strict deadlines for contesting trust validity (within two years of the settlor’s death or 120 days after the trustee provides written notice). The bill updates electronic notice rules, allowing trust information to be delivered via email or online platforms if beneficiaries consent, and requires trustees to send specific notices about trust existence and contest deadlines. These changes directly affect trust beneficiaries, trustees, and courts handling trust disputes, aiming to reduce confusion and delays in trust administration. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 645 amends Tennessee's Senator Ben Atchley Opportunity Grant Act to allow Tennessee resident students enrolled at Western Governors University (WGU) to receive the grant. The bill adds WGU to the list of eligible institutions by updating the eligibility criteria to include competency-based online programs meeting specific requirements (like Tennessee physical presence, regional accreditation, and state-based governance). This directly affects Tennessee students attending WGU who qualify for the grant, enabling them to use it for tuition and fees at this specific institution. The change formalizes WGU's existing partnership with Tennessee under the grant program's existing framework.
Maddy summaryHB 170 removes outdated language from Tennessee's tax code regarding a one-time sales tax holiday that occurred in August 2020. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 67-6-393 by deleting obsolete subsection (f), which referenced this expired event. This is a procedural update to clean up the legal text and eliminate unnecessary references to a past policy. The change directly affects the state's sales tax code but does not alter current tax rates, exemptions, or policies. The bill has no impact on taxpayers or current tax obligations.
Maddy summaryHB 32 removes legal restrictions preventing hospitals and certain healthcare facilities from directly employing radiologists, pathologists, anesthesiologists, and emergency physicians. The bill amends Tennessee law (specifically Titles 47, 63, and 68) by deleting provisions that previously barred these specialists from being classified as "physicians" under employment rules or required indirect employment models. This change allows hospitals to hire these physicians directly or through third-party agreements without violating state regulations. The policy affects hospitals, healthcare facilities, and the specified physician specialties by eliminating prior barriers to direct employment.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new law enforcement investigatory privilege in Tennessee that protects information gathered during open criminal investigations and prosecutions from being subpoenaed in civil or criminal cases. The privilege applies to information covered under Rule 16 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure and remains in effect until an investigation is closed by the district attorney general, a defendant is acquitted, or a conviction becomes final. Law enforcement officials can still issue subpoenas for their own investigative purposes, but the district attorney general may file motions to stop or change subpoenas that seek protected information. The legislation clarifies that this privilege does not override a criminal defendant's constitutional rights or change existing procedures for law enforcement subpoenas.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Tennessee's probate laws to require personal representatives to notify beneficiaries and heirs of their right to challenge creditor claims against an estate. It clarifies that beneficiaries and creditors are responsible for identifying other claimants and filing exceptions within specified timeframes, with copies sent to the estate's representative and attorney. The legislation also updates definitions for different types of wills, including holographic and nuncupative wills, and outlines specific procedures for admitting these wills to probate. These changes aim to streamline the probate process and clarify the responsibilities of estate administrators and interested parties when managing claims against estates.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) passed by the Tennessee House of Representatives to honor James "Coach Ballgame" Lowe. It recognizes his work coaching over 100,000 children worldwide through programs like the National Sandlot Tour and Coach Ballgame University, which focus on youth baseball and character development. The resolution specifically commends his selection to speak at the 2025 Tennessee Governor's Prayer Breakfast. The resolution was unanimously adopted (95-0) on March 10, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 6006 creates the Tennessee Transportation Financing Authority to provide bonds and financing for state transportation projects. The authority can issue bonds and use user fees to fund highways, bridges, airports, and other transportation infrastructure. It operates under the comptroller of the treasury with a board including the governor and state finance officials. This bill establishes a new mechanism for financing and maintaining Tennessee's transportation systems, directly affecting how the state funds infrastructure development and improvements.
Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 33 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor swimmer Riley Gaines of Sumner County. It recognizes her athletic achievements, including her high school and NCAA swimming career, and commends her for publicly advocating on behalf of women's sports under her First Amendment rights. The resolution specifically highlights her efforts to oppose transgender participation in women's sports, including lobbying for related legislation and speaking at public events. As a non-binding memorial, it serves only as a symbolic gesture of appreciation with no legal effect or policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (HJR 82) honoring Don Dallenbach, a 32-year Hendersonville Fire Department firefighter who died. It expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's condolences to his family and commemorates his service, family values, and legacy. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, with no funding, regulations, or changes to laws. It directly affects Dallenbach's family, colleagues at Hendersonville Fire Department, and the community he served.