Rep. John Clemmons

Maddy summaryHB 632 would allow Tennessee state employees with at least 12 months of full-time service to earn 15 hours of paid leave annually for approved volunteer work with community organizations, schools, or nonprofits. The leave requires supervisor approval, written verification of volunteer hours within 7 days, and cannot be carried over. It excludes part-time, temporary (under 6 months), seasonal, and emergency employees. The bill also prohibits retaliation against employees using this leave and ensures health benefits continue during the leave period.

Maddy summaryHB 631 would require Tennessee's governor's office to establish a grant program funding nonprofit and faith-based child care programs serving children under four years old. To qualify, programs must be licensed, operate on income-based pricing (capping fees at 7% of household income), and maintain good standing with human services. Priority would be given to programs in "child care deserts" - areas with high need and limited licensed slots for young children. The bill mandates annual reporting on grant distribution and takes effect July 2025 if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 1375 creates the "Tennessee Mental Health Volunteer Alliance," a statewide database of licensed mental health professionals who can volunteer to provide immediate mental health support at schools or public facilities following traumatic events like gun violence or disasters. Schools and public facilities can request specific mental health professionals through this system, with services provided pro bono (no cost to the requesting entity). The state allocates $250,000 annually to cover database administration, travel expenses (using federal mileage rates), and lodging for on-site services, with unused funds transferred to the School Safety Fund. This bill directly affects schools, mental health professionals, and state agencies managing the database and safety funding.

Maddy summaryThis House Joint Resolution (HJR 181) is a formal tribute honoring Carol Westlake upon her retirement as executive director of the Tennessee Disability Coalition (TDC). It recognizes her 35-year leadership founding and growing the TDC from a small advocacy group into a statewide nonprofit coalition of over 40 organizations focused on disability rights. The resolution specifically acknowledges her work advocating for policies on voting, education, employment, healthcare, and housing for Tennesseans with disabilities. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies, but serves as an official expression of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly.

Maddy summaryHB 293 prohibits the construction of new correctional facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes in Tennessee areas designated as 100-year flood plains. It applies to all new construction permit applications submitted on or after July 1, 2025, directly affecting developers, healthcare providers, and correctional facility operators seeking to build in flood-prone zones. The bill requires all new facility components, including access points, to be built above flood levels, and prevents re-licensing of vacated facilities in flood plains that were previously licensed as hospitals, nursing homes, or correctional facilities. Existing facilities in flood plains may add new sections above flood level but cannot convert vacated portions back to their original use. The law amends Tennessee zoning codes to enforce these flood-risk restrictions.

Maddy summaryHJR 22 is a commemorative resolution honoring John Richard "Dick" Lodge, Jr., a longtime Tennessee lobbyist, Democratic Party chair, and public servant who died in 2025. The resolution memorializes his life and career, highlighting his work as a legislative director, attorney, community leader, and family man. It contains no policy changes or funding provisions - only a formal tribute approved by the Tennessee General Assembly. The resolution was signed by the Governor on February 4, 2025, and serves solely as a symbolic recognition of Lodge's contributions.

Maddy summaryHJR 25 is a commemorative resolution honoring Mark Moffatt, a Nashville-based Australian music producer known for his work with The Saints, mentoring Keith Urban, and serving as APRA AMCOS's Nashville representative. The resolution recognizes his contributions to bridging Australian and American music scenes, including producing top Australian songs and receiving the Country Music Association's Global Achievement Award. It expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's condolences to his family and commemorates his legacy without creating any legal obligations or policy changes. As a symbolic gesture, it does not affect any laws or individuals beyond honoring his memory.

Maddy summaryThis House Joint Resolution (HJR 23) honors the memory of Joyce Anne Vise, a Nashville public servant and educator who dedicated her career to Metro Nashville Public Schools, community organizations, and Jewish community leadership. The resolution recognizes her work as a teacher, communications director, Holocaust survivor descendant, and volunteer for groups like Family and Children's Services and The Temple. It expresses condolences to her family and commemorates her legacy of "integrity and probity in public life." As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or laws.

Maddy summaryHJR 24 is a formal memorial resolution honoring Kris Kristofferson, the late country music legend and actor. It recognizes his contributions as a songwriter (including hits like "Me and Bobby McGee" and "Help Me Make It Through the Night"), performer, actor (in films like *A Star Is Born*), and his personal history as a Rhodes Scholar and U.S. Army captain. The resolution expresses condolences to his family and formally commemorates his life and career without creating any new laws or affecting policies. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not impose obligations or change regulations.

Maddy summaryHJR 21 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Mike O'Neil, a Nashville hockey official who served for 25 years as a USA Hockey referee and officiated NHL Predators games. It commemorates his contributions to youth sports and hockey in Nashville, including his work with the Greater Nashville Area Scholastic Hockey League. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the General Assembly's recognition of his legacy and extends condolences to his family.