Rep. Aftyn Behn

Maddy summaryHB 2595 requires Tennessee courts to order additional parenting time to compensate parents who were wrongly denied visitation due to false abuse allegations. It directly affects parents whose visitation was blocked by investigations that later found no abuse or neglect, and who can prove the other parent intentionally made or participated in false claims. Courts must grant additional time matching the denied period’s type and duration (e.g., weekends, holidays), without disrupting school or activities, and within two years of the denial. The bill explicitly states it does not create lawsuits against child welfare agencies or waive their legal protections.

Maddy summaryHB 2522 requires large commercial online platforms (with 10 million+ monthly U.S. active users) to implement systems letting users report unmarked or improperly age-restricted content harmful to minors. Platforms must acknowledge reports within 48 hours, review them within 7 business days, and take action like removal or age restriction. They must also publish semi-annual transparency reports detailing report volumes and resolutions, and face private lawsuits by parents if they fail to act on repeated reports - potentially resulting in $5,000 per violation. The bill targets platforms that permit harmful content without effective age verification, directly affecting major social media and app companies. The bill is currently in committee review (Commerce Committee) after initial filing.

Maddy summaryHB 2006, the "Workers' Right to Live Act," requires Tennessee employers to report workplace fatalities within 24 hours (with a $50,000 penalty for failure) and mandates investigations into deaths within five business days to determine if negligence caused the fatality. If negligence is found, employers face a minimum $250,000 fine per death and must repay state economic incentives (like tax breaks) received in the prior three years. The bill creates a "worker protection fund" to support families affected by workplace deaths, funded by these penalties. It directly affects employers in high-risk industries like manufacturing and construction, holding them accountable for preventable fatalities through financial penalties and incentive clawbacks.

Maddy summaryHB 2008, the "Universal Pre-K Funding Act," would require all Tennessee school districts (LEAs) to provide free, full-day pre-kindergarten programs for every eligible 4-year-old child residing in their district. The bill mandates specific quality standards, including class sizes of 20 students, licensed early childhood educators, and curriculum aligned with state learning standards. It establishes a dedicated funding source by taxing digital advertising, replacing previous reliance on federal and other unstable funding. The law would directly affect all Tennessee school districts, 4-year-olds, and early childhood educators by making pre-K universal and high-quality, while ending voluntary enrollment models.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) honoring Gwen Jaskoski, principal of DuPont Hadley Middle School in Tennessee. It commends her "exceptional service, dedication, and leadership" and expresses gratitude for her work fostering "a nurturing and inspiring educational environment." The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it is purely symbolic recognition, passed unanimously by the Tennessee House of Representatives on April 22, 2025. It directly affects Mrs. Jaskoski as the recipient of this formal commendation during Principals' Week.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 111 is a formal resolution passed by the Tennessee House of Representatives to honor Duke's, a Nashville bar and restaurant, on its tenth anniversary. The resolution recognizes Duke's as a community pillar in East Nashville's Five Points neighborhood for its economic contributions, signature New York-style deli sandwiches, and role as a music venue featuring live performances and vinyl DJ sets. Adopted unanimously on April 16, 2025, the resolution expresses the House's congratulations to Duke's owners and employees and will be presented as a formal tribute.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) honoring Doug the Pug, a famous Nashville-resident pug known for his social media influence (18M+ followers) and work with the Doug the Pug Foundation supporting children with cancer. The Tennessee House of Representatives formally recognizes Doug's cultural impact, including his Forbes "Second Most Influential Pet" title and local "Doug the Pug Day" designation. The resolution serves solely as symbolic appreciation for his contributions to community joy and animal welfare, with no associated funding or policy changes. It passed unanimously (96-0) on April 16, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 478 is a commemorative resolution honoring Maggie Knowles Cannon, a Nashville public servant who passed away. The resolution recognizes her "exemplary" career dedicated to improving community life, her family values, and her legacy of integrity. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is a symbolic tribute expressing the legislature's condolences to her family and affirming her positive impact. The resolution was signed by both legislative leaders and the Governor in April 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 76, adopted unanimously by the Tennessee House of Representatives, honors Sallamaari Vainio for becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. The resolution recognizes her journey as an example of immigrants' contributions to Tennessee and the United States, emphasizing their role in strengthening communities and embodying American values. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial expression of appreciation from the state legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 703, the "Pot for Potholes Act," establishes Tennessee’s first regulatory framework for legal marijuana cultivation, processing, and retail sales under the Department of Agriculture. It directly affects businesses seeking licenses to operate cannabis facilities, adult consumers (21+), and the state agency managing compliance. Key provisions include requiring child-resistant packaging for products, defining edible marijuana (like infused foods), creating batch tracking for traceability, and setting safety standards to protect minors. The bill amends multiple state codes to formalize licensing rules, product testing requirements, and restrictions on advertising near community facilities like parks and schools.