Rep. Justin Jones

Maddy summaryHJR 1042 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) introduced by Representative Jones to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippines diplomatic relationship, specifically marking July 4 as Philippine-American Friendship Day. It recognizes the historical partnership dating to the 1946 Treaty of Manila, highlights joint WWII efforts against Japan, and acknowledges the Filipino community in Tennessee (over 30,000 people) as a key contributor to the state's cultural and economic life. The resolution has no policy or legal effect - it solely expresses ceremonial recognition of the U.S.-Philippines alliance and Tennessee's Filipino population.

Maddy summaryHJR 936 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Tennessee House of Representatives to commemorate Read Across America Week (March 2-6, 2026) in the state. It expresses legislative support for promoting literacy, childhood reading, and the National Education Association’s annual event that celebrates books and storytelling. The resolution has no binding legal effect - it does not create new laws, allocate funding, or impose requirements on schools or individuals. It serves solely as a formal acknowledgment of the value of reading in education and community engagement.

Maddy summaryHJR 868 is a joint resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to formally recognize the Lunar New Year as a significant cultural observance. It acknowledges the holiday's traditions, including family gatherings, customs like "sweeping the grounds" and red envelope gifts, and its celebration across Asian communities. This resolution does not create new laws or policies - it is purely symbolic, expressing the state's acknowledgment without imposing any legal requirements or affecting specific groups.

Maddy summaryHJR 870 is a commemorative resolution honoring Larry Bushart, a retired Henderson County police officer, for his defense of free speech. It recognizes his arrest and 37-day jail stay (due to a $2 million bond) after posting a pre-existing political meme on social media, which led to false charges of threatening school violence before all charges were dismissed. The resolution symbolically commends Bushart for upholding his First Amendment rights while acknowledging the personal impact of his wrongful arrest, including job loss and missed family events. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2191 creates the Tennessee Agriculture Recovery and Investment in Family Farm (TARIFF) Relief Fund, establishing a $130 million grant program within the state treasury. It directly provides up to $10,000 in financial assistance to Tennessee family farmers who have faced high input costs and market losses due to tariffs on agricultural products, equipment, or machinery since April 1, 2025. To qualify, farmers must own/lease at least 15 acres, produce $1,500+ in annual agricultural income, and demonstrate financial need through a department-approved application. The fund must be fully expended by June 30, 2027, with false claims subject to penalties under Tennessee’s False Claims Act.

Maddy summaryHB 2190, titled the "Climate Resilient Tennessee Act," creates a new Office of Resilience within the governor's office to coordinate climate resilience efforts across state agencies and local governments. The bill requires the office to develop a statewide resilience plan, provide technical guidance to departments, track progress on climate goals, and seek funding for projects addressing threats like flooding and extreme heat. It establishes a Governor-appointed Chief Resilience Officer to lead these efforts, ensuring state and local coordination on climate adaptation and risk mitigation.

Maddy summaryHJR 842 is a ceremonial resolution honoring retired Henderson County police officer Larry Bushart. It recognizes his experience as a law enforcement officer and commends him for defending his First Amendment rights after being arrested on false charges for sharing a political meme on social media. The resolution states he was jailed for 37 days without bond (set at $2 million), lost his job, and missed family events before charges were dismissed. This resolution has no legal effect - it simply expresses legislative appreciation for Bushart's actions. It directly affects Bushart as the subject of the recognition.

Maddy summaryHJR 841 proposes adding a new section to Tennessee's state constitution that establishes a fundamental right to privacy for all residents. The bill would amend Article I by stating: "As a necessary part of a free society, the people have an individual and fundamental right to privacy." This constitutional change would directly affect every Tennessee citizen by enshrining privacy as a protected right under state law. The resolution is currently in committee review and requires further legislative approval before it could be submitted to voters for ratification.

Maddy summaryHJR 745 is a memorial resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, poet, and Minneapolis resident who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in 2025. The resolution extends condolences to her family and celebrates her life as a loving mother, artist, and community member, highlighting her achievements as a writer, Christian, and advocate for peace. It does not create new laws or affect policy - it is a symbolic gesture of remembrance.

Maddy summaryHB 1850 establishes the "Climate Resiliency Fund" to finance climate adaptation projects in Tennessee. It requires fossil fuel businesses (defined as entities owning such operations during 1995-2026) to pay "cost recovery demands" into the fund, which will support projects like flood protections, infrastructure upgrades, and nature-based solutions. The fund prioritizes environmental justice communities - defined as census areas with high poverty, minority populations, or limited English proficiency - to address climate impacts disproportionately affecting these areas. The bill amends multiple Tennessee code sections to create this mechanism and define key terms like "climate change adaptation project."