Rep. Susan Lynn

Maddy summaryHB 1159 requires Tennessee voters to select a political party affiliation (or choose "Unaffiliated") when registering to vote or during the registration period. This change affects all voters who wish to participate in partisan primary elections, as they must now formally designate a party preference to vote in that party's primary. The law amends voter registration forms and records to include this requirement, with "Unaffiliated" as the default option if no choice is made. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and is currently pending in committee.

Maddy summaryHB 413 allows patients with severe chronic diseases or terminal illnesses to access investigational stem cell treatments, as recommended by their physician after considering all FDA-approved options. The bill requires the Tennessee Commissioner of Health to create rules listing qualifying medical conditions and mandates written informed consent from patients (or guardians for minors). It also prohibits government interference with patient access and protects physicians from license penalties for following the law's guidelines. The bill directly affects patients with qualifying conditions and their treating physicians, establishing clear pathways for accessing non-FDA-approved stem cell therapies under specific safeguards.

Maddy summaryHB 1155 would ban the sale, distribution, and import of cell-cultured food products (like lab-grown meat or seafood made from animal cells without slaughter) in Tennessee. It directly affects businesses producing, importing, or selling these products within the state, including food manufacturers and retailers. Key provisions include a $1 million fine per violation, potential revocation of food business permits, and a process where the commissioner must issue a written notice with a 10-day hearing window before penalties apply. The law requires the Department of Agriculture to create implementing rules and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 355 designates November 7, 2025, as "Victims of Communism Day" in Tennessee, encouraging the state to observe this day to honor those who suffered under communist regimes globally. The resolution is a symbolic gesture - requiring no new laws, funding, or policy changes - and aims to raise awareness of historical human rights abuses under communist governments. It does not directly affect any individuals or groups but expresses the legislature's commemorative intent through a formal resolution.

Maddy summaryHJR 988 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Andrew Jason Kumm Sonnichsen for earning the Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts of America. It recognizes his community service, including leading the rebuilding of a shelter stairway at True Rescue Animal Shelter in Mt. Juliet, which improved safety for volunteers and animals. The resolution, passed by Tennessee's legislature, formally commends him as an exemplary young person but does not create any new laws or policies. It directly affects only Andrew Sonnichsen and serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryHJR 928 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor the Mt. Juliet High School Golden Bears boys' bowling team for reaching the finals of the TSSAA Division I state championship tournament. The resolution specifically recognizes their 23-2 season record, their competitive performance in the tournament (including wins against Dobyns-Bennett and Tullahoma), and their status as the second-best team in the division. It commends the team's character, work ethic, and the support they received from coaches, families, and the community. This resolution has no legal effect - it serves solely as a formal expression of commendation.

Maddy summaryHB 1688, "The Frank J. Lake III Act," requires assisted-care living facilities in Tennessee to notify all residents (or their guardians/representatives) if they contact the long-term care ombudsman (Section 4). It also mandates the Health Facilities Commission to post specific notices on its website when a facility faces disciplinary action, including probation or a 30-day fact-finding period (Sections 2-3). Additionally, facilities must provide written disclosure of their licensure status and disciplinary history to residents before admission (Section 5). These changes, effective July 1, 2026, directly affect residents, facilities, and the commission by increasing transparency around facility oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 1153 requires Tennessee local school districts to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students eligible for free or reduced-price meals under federal programs (like the National School Lunch Act). It mandates that districts establish these programs for qualifying students, defined by household income meeting federal criteria. The state would reimburse schools for meal costs after all applicable federal funds are applied, subject to available state funding. This applies to the 2025-2026 school year and beyond.

Maddy summaryHJR 149 is a resolution passed by the Tennessee House of Representatives expressing the General Assembly's support for efforts to improve metabolic health among Tennesseans. It cites concerns about high rates of obesity (65%), diabetes (761,000 diagnosed cases), mental health conditions, and metabolic syndrome in the state, linking these to consumption of processed grains, sugars, and industrial seed oils. The resolution does not create new laws or regulations but formally states legislative backing for health initiatives addressing these dietary factors. It serves as a statement of intent rather than a policy change, with no direct impact on individuals or new requirements for government action.

Maddy summaryHJR 864 is a memorial resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor the late Roshanda Dana Heath Walker, a former attorney and community leader from Mt. Juliet. The resolution expresses condolences to her family and recognizes her life, career as a legal professional, and contributions to her community through service and advocacy. It does not create new laws or affect policy, but formally commemorates her legacy as an accomplished lawyer and dedicated public servant.