Rep. Justin Jones

Maddy summaryHB 716, the "Climate Resiliency Fund Act," would create a state fund financed by fossil fuel businesses (such as coal, oil, and gas extractors/refiners) operating in Tennessee between 1995 and 2025. The fund would require these entities to pay "cost recovery" fees based on their historical greenhouse gas emissions, with proceeds directed toward climate adaptation projects. Key projects include flood protections, infrastructure upgrades (roads, bridges, sewage systems), nature-based solutions, and healthcare programs addressing climate-driven health risks like heat waves. The bill mandates that at least 50% of funds support "environmental justice focus populations," defined as communities with high poverty rates, minority populations, or limited English proficiency. This is a policy change establishing a new funding mechanism for climate resilience, not a procedural measure.

Maddy summaryHB 682, the "Student Comfort through Alternative Restorative Environments (CARE) Act," requires Tennessee public schools and charter schools to offer students voluntary remote learning for at least 31 consecutive days after a mass violence incident (defined as injury/death to two or more people) at their school. Students, with parental consent or their own agreement if 18+, can choose remote learning instead of returning to in-person classes during this period. Schools must not penalize students for this choice and must provide access to the same counseling and mental health resources available to other students. This applies to all schools starting in the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryThis House Joint Resolution (HJR 151) is a ceremonial resolution honoring Jane Osgerby of Nashville on the occasion of her 80th birthday. It recognizes her 35-year career with the Tennessee Board of Probation and Parole, her work as a counselor at the Tennessee Prison for Women, her advocacy in civil rights and nonviolence training, and her role as a founding member of Tennessee's Circle of Elders. The resolution was unanimously passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor in February 2025. As a commemorative gesture, it does not create new laws or affect any policies or regulations.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 152 is a commemorative resolution honoring 15 enslaved individuals - Lewis, Daniel, Robert, Nelson, John, Parker, Dang, Bill, John G., John, Andrew, and Jim - who were rented by the Tennessee state government to break limestone for the Capitol's foundation in 1846-47. The resolution recognizes their skilled labor (paid $18/month, double typical rates) and acknowledges their contribution to building a landmark that symbolizes democracy. It formally commemorates their legacy during Black History Month, ensuring their historical role is acknowledged without altering past events. This resolution does not create new laws or policies, but serves as a formal historical acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryHJR 153 is a Tennessee legislative resolution honoring Dr. Charles Kimbrough, a civil rights activist, Korean War veteran, and retired veterinarian. The resolution recognizes his leadership as former president of the Nashville NAACP chapter (1973-1980) and his role in founding NAACP branches in communities like Sparta, Pulaski, and Waverly. It does not create new laws or policies but formally commends his lifetime contributions to racial equality and community service. This resolution is purely commemorative, with no direct impact on legislation or affected groups.

Maddy summaryHB 680 prohibits agricultural employers in Tennessee from retaliating against employees who assert protected rights (like filing a complaint) or based on their immigration status. It directly affects agricultural workers (farm laborers) and their employers, defining "retaliation" as negative employment actions like demotions, pay cuts, or termination. Key mechanisms include a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if an adverse action occurs within 90 days of a complaint, allowing claims to be filed with the Department of Labor or in court, and requiring employers to pay at least $10,000 in damages for violations. The bill creates specific protections for workers, their representatives, and key service providers (like healthcare or legal advocates) who report violations.

Maddy summaryHJR 74 proposes adding a new constitutional right to Tennessee's Constitution, guaranteeing every resident the right to clean air, pure water, and the preservation of natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic environmental values. It declares Tennessee's public natural resources as the common property of all people - including future generations - and requires the state to act as a trustee to conserve and maintain them for everyone's benefit. This resolution, currently under review by the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee, must be approved by the legislature and then ratified by voters to become part of the state constitution. If adopted, it would establish a foundational environmental right that could influence future state policies and legal interpretations.

Maddy summaryHB 435 requires Tennessee healthcare facilities that receive public funds to cover costs from providing free care (uncompensated care) to automatically cancel an equal amount of patient debt. The facility must notify the patient about the canceled debt amount and stop all efforts to collect that portion. It also mandates the Department of Health and TennCare to submit annual reports detailing public funds used for uncompensated care. This bill directly affects healthcare facilities and patients with outstanding medical debt, changing how facilities handle debt collection after receiving public compensation.

Maddy summaryHB 430, titled the "Protect Kids Not Guns Act," requires most firearm owners to store guns in locked containers or with safety devices, making unsecured storage a criminal misdemeanor. It bans possession of large-capacity magazines (holding more than 10 rounds) for non-law enforcement individuals, with exceptions for police use, and restricts private firearm transfers to family gifts, dealer transactions, or specific legal transfers. The bill also adds penalties for unauthorized sales or transfers, including fines up to $10,000 and a two-year firearm possession ban. These changes directly affect Tennessee residents owning firearms, magazine users, and private sellers, aiming to enhance safety through storage and transfer regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 432, the "Agricultural Right to Repair Act," would require manufacturers of agricultural equipment to provide independent repair shops and farmers with fair access to parts, manuals, diagnostic tools, and technical documentation. It mandates that manufacturers offer parts without minimum purchase requirements or restrictive contracts, provide manuals at no cost (beyond reasonable shipping fees for physical copies), and supply tools without access barriers or unnecessary fees. The law specifically covers farming equipment like tractors, harvesters, and livestock tools, but excludes motor vehicles and heavy industrial machinery. This directly affects farmers, independent repair businesses, and equipment manufacturers operating in Tennessee.