Rep. Caleb Hemmer

Maddy summaryHJR 1040 is a resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor the memory of Byrd Douglas Cain, Jr., a Williamsport resident and community leader who passed away. The resolution recognizes his 50-year career in the automotive industry (including owning Cain Autoplex in Franklin), his community service as a co-founder of Harpeth Academy, and his dedication to organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and YMCA. It extends condolences to his family while commemorating his character, values, and contributions to the Franklin and Williamsport communities. This is a commemorative resolution with no policy changes or direct impact beyond honoring his legacy.

Maddy summaryHB 1893 allows Tennessee counties with metropolitan governments (like Nashville) to set a lower tax rate or fully exempt food and food ingredients from local sales tax. It amends tax codes to let these governments apply a reduced rate below the standard city tax rate for food sales, or provide an exemption, while keeping existing surcharges on food sales intact. The change would take effect for metropolitan governments on October 1, 2026, and directly affects grocery stores, restaurants, and residents purchasing food within those jurisdictions. The bill creates a specific mechanism for local governments to adjust food tax treatment without changing overall tax structure.

Maddy summaryHB 565, the "Tennessee Homebuyer Harassment Prevention Act," limits unsolicited real estate contact by restricting developers, businesses, or their representatives to one annual contact (via phone, text, email, etc.) with a property owner to offer to buy their property. It requires contactors to disclose their legal name, address, phone number, and email before reaching out. Property owners can file complaints with the Attorney General’s office, which must review them within 20 business days, and violators face civil penalties up to $2,000 per contact. The law excludes licensed real estate agents and government agencies from these restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 1889 would limit Tennessee's education freedom scholarship program (vouchers) to families with annual incomes under 300% of the threshold for free or reduced-price lunch. It requires scholarship students to take the same state standardized tests as public school peers and mandates private schools receiving vouchers to undergo annual audits, disclose financial data, and publish test results. The bill also requires the education department to report annually on program participation, test outcomes, and scholarship spending to the legislature. These changes apply directly to low-income families seeking vouchers and private schools enrolling scholarship students. The program would expire on July 1, 2030.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 992), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes Yogi's Pizzeria & Ice Cream Emporium in Nashville for its six years of operation since opening in 2020, highlighting its role as a community staple serving Neapolitan-style pizza, calzones, and ice cream while hosting events like car cruises. The resolution extends congratulations to the owners and employees but contains no legal requirements or policy impacts. It directly affects only the restaurant and its staff, as a symbolic gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryHJR 993 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Cinco de Mayo, a Nashville restaurant on Old Hickory Boulevard and Franklin Pike. It recognizes the business for serving authentic Mexican cuisine since 2000, highlighting its use of fresh ingredients, quality service under manager Roberto Carrero, and contribution to Middle Tennessee. The resolution formally "honor[s] and recognize the owners and employees" through a non-binding expression of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly. As a symbolic gesture (not a policy change), it has no legal effect or direct impact on regulations, funding, or the public.

Maddy summaryHB 2004 requires private-sector employers in Tennessee to pay employees for unused accrued paid leave (such as vacation time) upon separation from employment. It applies to all private employers (excluding state/local government) and mandates payment at the employee’s final hourly rate within 30 days of separation. Employers cannot force employees to forfeit unused leave, though they may cap total accruals. This bill directly affects private employers and workers who leave jobs with unused paid leave benefits.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 723 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Jack White, a Tennessee native and member of the band The White Stripes, following their 2025 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It recognizes his musical contributions, including Grammy-winning work and influence on rock music, and acknowledges his connection to Tennessee through his Third Man Records Nashville store. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a formal legislative tribute.

Maddy summaryHJR 722 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Wade Cowan, a Nashville attorney and longtime mock trial coach at Montgomery Bell Academy (MBA). It recognizes his receipt of the President's Award from the MBA Mock Trial team after leading them to their first National High School Mock Trial Championship. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's commendation for Cowan's 40+ years of service as a coach, including 25 years directing MBA's program and guiding the team to 19 city titles and multiple state championships. As a procedural resolution, it has no policy impact and solely serves to formally acknowledge Cowan's contributions to student education and competition.

Maddy summaryHJR 761 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor John Bradley upon his retirement as Senior Vice President of Economic Development at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). It recognizes his 22 years of service, including his leadership in initiatives that contributed to over 489,000 new jobs and $150 billion in capital investment across the Tennessee Valley region. The resolution expresses the Assembly's appreciation for his professional achievements and contributions to economic development in Tennessee. As a ceremonial gesture with no binding policy impact, it directly affects John Bradley by formally acknowledging his career.