Rep. Jason Powell

Primary HB 1294

In committee · Tennessee House · Lead sponsor

Correction, Dept. of - As introduced, prohibits the department from denying the dissemination or availability of books and materials donated by book vendors to state inmates, with certain exceptions for depictions of nudity and sexually explicit material. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 3; Title 40 and Title 41.

Maddy summaryHB 1294 prohibits Tennessee's Department of Correction from blocking the distribution of books and educational materials donated by book vendors to state inmates, with specific exceptions. The bill directly affects incarcerated individuals, correctional facilities, and book vendors by requiring institutions to allow access to donated materials unless they meet strict security exceptions. Key provisions allow rejection only for materials that: (1) contain sexually explicit content or regular nudity (excluding medical/educational depictions), or (2) pose documented security risks like inciting violence, aiding escapes, or promoting contraband. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and requires institutions to follow administrative procedures if inmates dispute denials.

Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates access to educational materials for inmates, directly supporting rehabilitation programs and correctional reform as per criminal justice topic indicators.95% confidence

In committee Feb 12, 2025 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HJR 1469

Signed into law · Tennessee House · Lead sponsor

Memorials, Recognition - Country Bear Musical Jamboree -

Signed into law May 9, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HJR 1380

Signed into law · Tennessee House · Lead sponsor

Memorials, Death - John Howard Roe, Jr. -

Signed into law May 3, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HJR 1291

Signed into law · Tennessee House · Lead sponsor

Memorials, Recognition - NEC Awareness Month -

Signed into law Apr 22, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HJR 1292

Signed into law · Tennessee House · Lead sponsor

Memorials, Recognition - Bitcoin 2024 -

Signed into law Apr 22, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 1613

Signed into law · Tennessee House · Lead sponsor

State Symbols - As enacted, designates “Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee as the official state holiday song; requires the secretary of state to include the song in the Tennessee Blue Book. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 1, Part 3.

Signed into law Apr 22, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 2070

In committee · Tennessee House · Lead sponsor

Transportation, Dept. of - As enacted, requires the department, on or before January 1, 2025, and on or before January 1 of each subsequent year, to submit a report on the department's progress on passenger and freight rail and public transportation efforts at the state and federal levels to the transportation committee of the house of representatives and the transportation and safety committee of the senate, the chief clerk of each house of the general assembly, and the legislative librarian. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 54, Chapter 1; Title 64 and Title 65.

In committee Apr 17, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 1962

In committee · Tennessee House · Lead sponsor

Human Services, Dept. of - As introduced, requires the department to utilize cost estimation models to determine the cost of day care when setting the annual day care reimbursement rate. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 68 and Title 71.

In committee Apr 16, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HJR 1139

Signed into law · Tennessee House · Lead sponsor

Memorials, Public Service - Sherry Jones -

Signed into law Apr 9, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HJR 1140

Signed into law · Tennessee House · Lead sponsor

Memorials, Public Service - Representative Darren Jernigan -

Signed into law Apr 9, 2024 0 co-sponsors