Rep. Aftyn Behn

Maddy summaryHB 198, the "Bearing Witness to the Death Penalty Act," would have required Tennessee legislators to be present during all death penalty executions. The bill amended Tennessee Code Annotated Section 40-23-116(a) to mandate attendance by members of the General Assembly at such executions. This was a procedural requirement with no changes to death penalty laws or sentencing, and the bill failed in committee in March 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 791, the "Workers' Right to Live Act," requires employers in Tennessee to report workplace fatalities to the state division within 24 hours, with a $50,000 penalty for late reporting. If an investigation determines a death resulted from employer negligence (e.g., unsafe conditions or failure to follow safety rules), the employer faces a $250,000 fine per fatality and must repay state incentives (like tax abatements) received in the prior three years. The bill also establishes a dedicated "Worker Protection Fund" to hold penalty funds, which cannot revert to the general state budget. It directly affects employers operating in Tennessee, particularly those receiving state economic incentives, and applies to preventable deaths occurring during work hours or due to unsafe conditions. The bill is pending legislative action and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryHB 983 reorganizes Tennessee's Agriculture Department by creating a new "Office of Rural Prosperity" within the existing structure. It allows the Agriculture Commissioner to combine the department's current duties related to rural community well-being into this single office, without adding new programs. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections to formally establish this reorganization and streamline how rural-focused work is managed. This is a procedural change affecting how the department operates, not a new policy or funding measure.

Maddy summaryHB 792, the "Tennessee Sexual Violence Justice Act," requires law enforcement officers investigating sexual assault to complete annual trauma-informed, victim-centered training (16 hours minimum) through the POST commission, with curriculum developed in collaboration with victim advocates and healthcare providers. It mandates the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to test all previously untested sexual assault evidence kits by January 2026 (prioritizing ongoing cases) and to test new kits within 90 days of receipt starting July 2025, requiring annual reports on testing timelines. The bill directly affects law enforcement personnel, the TBI, and victims of sexual assault by standardizing investigative practices and evidence processing. Key provisions include mandatory mock assessments for training, specific interview techniques emphasizing victim safety, and DNA profiling protocols for CODIS databases.

Maddy summaryHB 218, the "Universal Pre-K Funding Act," requires Tennessee public school districts (LEAs) to provide universal pre-kindergarten programs for all eligible 4-year-olds residing within their district boundaries. It establishes specific program standards, including maximum class sizes of 20 students, certified early childhood teachers, and a minimum of 5.5 hours of daily instruction using state-aligned curricula. The bill mandates that LEAs fund these programs through a dedicated tax on digital advertising, replacing previous reliance on federal or temporary funding. Enrollment remains voluntary for families, but districts must ensure all eligible children can access the program through structured enrollment processes.

Maddy summaryHB 2, titled the "End the Grocery Tax by Closing Corporate Loopholes Act," removes sales tax on grocery items sold by retailers meeting specific criteria. The bill exempts food and food ingredients from sales tax (previously taxed at 6%) and adjusts how tax revenue is allocated, ensuring K-12 education funding and local government distributions remain stable despite the tax change. Retailers must derive at least 20% of their sales from grocery items (not just tax-exempt grocery sales) to qualify for the exemption. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and directly affects grocery retailers, local governments, and education funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (HR 63) honors Nashville songwriter Melody Walker for winning the 2025 Grammy Award for Best American Roots Song for "American Dreaming." It recognizes her songwriting collaborations, community work through Nashville's Writers' Kitchen, and contributions to Americana and bluegrass music. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new policies or affect laws - it solely expresses the Tennessee House of Representatives' congratulations on her Grammy achievement.

Maddy summaryHB 27, titled the "Reproductive Freedom Act," establishes a new legal framework protecting reproductive healthcare access in Tennessee. It defines "reproductive health care" to include abortion, contraception, prenatal care, and related services, and affirms individuals' fundamental rights to make decisions about their reproductive health without state interference. The bill requires health insurance plans to cover reproductive health care (Section 15) and repeals multiple existing state laws that restricted abortion access or imposed criminal penalties for reproductive care (Sections 2-22). This legislation directly affects all Tennesseans seeking reproductive healthcare by removing legal barriers and mandating coverage under state-regulated insurance plans.

Maddy summaryHJR 52 is a memorial resolution honoring Darek Tanner, a Nashville LGBTQ+ community leader and longtime owner of Canvas Lounge, for his work creating inclusive spaces and fostering community connections. The resolution expresses the legislature's respect for his legacy of compassion and inclusivity, recognizing his contributions to making Nashville a more welcoming place. It extends condolences to his family and the Canvas Lounge community without implementing any policy changes or affecting specific laws.

Maddy summaryHJR 41 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late Randy Rayburn, a Nashville restaurateur and community figure. It commemorates his life, career (including ownership of Sunset Grill, Cabana, and Midtown Cafe), and contributions to Nashville's dining scene and social fabric. The resolution expresses the legislature's sympathy to his family and affirms his legacy of "integrity, compassion, and dedication." As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or laws.