Rep. Bo Mitchell

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 363), not a policy bill. It formally honors Dair Grubb, a student at James Lawson High School in Tennessee, for her academic achievements, leadership roles (including HOSA secretary, student council vice president, and soccer team captain), community service (as a deacon and youth leader), and awards like the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's commendation of her "exceptional community outreach endeavors and academic performance" and extends "best wishes for a happy, successful future." It has no effect beyond symbolic recognition and was signed into law by the Governor on April 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 362), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes author Jeff Zentner, a Nashville-based writer known for works like *In the Wild Light* (which portrays East Tennessee life), and honors his literary achievements, awards, and contributions to Tennessee culture. The resolution has no binding effect or impact on laws, funding, or affected individuals - its sole purpose is symbolic recognition. It was approved by both chambers and signed by the governor in April 2025.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (HJR 364) honors TailGate Brewery on its tenth anniversary in Nashville, recognizing owner Wes Keegan and the brewery's growth to nine Tennessee locations since relocating from California in 2014. It specifically highlights the business's expansion to 250 employees, its commitment to full health-care benefits for all staff (since 2022), and its consistent focus on "cold, creative beer, delicious pizza, and friendly customer service" across locations. As a symbolic gesture with no policy or funding changes, it serves purely as a formal acknowledgment of the brewery's community impact and business success.

Maddy summaryHB 1059 increases the maximum fine for selling vapor products to individuals under 21 from $50 to $500. This amendment to Tennessee law specifically targets retailers who violate age restrictions under Section 39-17-1504(a), making such sales a Class C misdemeanor. The bill directly affects businesses selling vapor products, imposing a higher financial penalty for underage sales. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, applying to offenses committed on or after that date. This is a straightforward policy adjustment to strengthen penalties for underage sales of vapor products.

Maddy summaryHJR 260 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the Nashville Christian School football team for winning the 2024 TSSAA Division II-A state championship. It formally expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's praise for the team's championship victory, 12-1 season record, and exemplary character both on and off the field. The resolution specifically congratulates the players, coaches, staff, administrators, cheerleaders, and fans. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or financial implications - it serves solely as a symbolic gesture of recognition. The resolution was signed by the Governor on March 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 261 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Jared Curtis, a junior quarterback for Nashville Christian School (NCS), who led his team to the 2024 TSSAA Division II-A state championship. It recognizes his athletic achievements, including being ranked as the nation's top quarterback for the 2026 class, winning multiple state player-of-the-year awards, and compiling over 3,600 total yards in the 2024 season. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is purely a formal acknowledgment of his accomplishments and community service. This resolution was signed into law by the governor on March 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 943 requires that a candidate's name on a nominating petition must exactly match the name listed on their voter registration record, prohibiting nicknames, abbreviations, or spelling variations. This law directly affects candidates running for office and election coordinators who manage ballot listings. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 2-5-102 to mandate this name standardization and directs election coordinators to provide compliance guidelines. It aims to ensure ballot names consistently reflect official voter records, reducing potential confusion during elections. (Note: The bill failed in committee on March 11, 2025, but this summary describes its proposed provisions.)

Maddy summaryHB 1269 amends Tennessee law to restrict the prohibition on family members of commission voting members holding alcohol business interests or licenses. The bill specifically bars spouses, children, parents, nieces/nephews (by blood or marriage), and in-laws from working at distilleries, wholesale/retail alcohol dealers, or holding alcohol licenses in the state. This replaces a broader prior restriction with a defined list of affected relatives. The change directly impacts family members of current voting members of Tennessee's Alcoholic Beverage Commission who might seek such roles or licenses. The bill takes effect upon becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 1057, "The Parole Advancement and Reintegration Act," would create a program allowing parolees in Tennessee to earn early termination of supervision. To qualify, parolees must have stable employment for six months, no violations or arrests while on parole, and complete all required rehabilitation programs. The program would use an earned time credit system (similar to credits for inmates) to gradually reduce supervision, aiming for full parole discharge after five years. It directly affects parolees meeting these criteria and requires the Department of Correction to develop the program with annual eligibility reviews.

Maddy summaryHB 941 would increase property tax refunds for elderly, low-income homeowners in Tennessee based on age. It establishes tiered reimbursement rates: 10% of property taxes for 65-year-olds, increasing by 10% per year until reaching 100% for those 74 or older. The bill also sets a $400,000 cap on property value for eligibility (adjusted annually for inflation using the consumer price index), and requires the state comptroller to notify taxpayers of annual changes. This applies to tax years starting July 1, 2025, directly affecting qualifying elderly homeowners with low income.