Rep. Caleb Hemmer

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 244), not a policy bill. It formally honors NFL player Jared Allen on his 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction. The resolution recognizes his NFL career achievements, including his time with the Minnesota Vikings, his record-setting sack totals, and his status as a Tennessee resident. It has no legal effect or impact on any policies or individuals.

Maddy summaryHJR 258 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Natalie Williams, an elementary teacher at Percy Priest Elementary School in Metro Nashville Public Schools, for being named the 2025 Metro Nashville Public Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year. The resolution formally recognizes her professional achievements, dedication to education, and her background including a Doctor of Education pursuit. It does not create any new policies, funding, or legal obligations - it is solely a symbolic gesture of commendation by the Tennessee General Assembly. The resolution was passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor on March 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1170 amends Tennessee law to clarify that "neglect" does not include permitting a child (whose basic needs are met and who is mature enough to avoid harm) to engage in specific independent activities. It explicitly exempts walking or biking to school, playing outdoors, visiting nearby facilities, and brief unattended home time from being considered neglect under Tennessee Code Sections 37-1-102 and 39-15-401. The bill directly affects parents, caregivers, and child welfare agencies by defining clear boundaries for what constitutes neglect. This change aims to prevent unnecessary investigations or interventions for common, age-appropriate child activities.

Maddy summaryHB 564 clarifies ethics rules for Tennessee officials by expanding what counts as an impermissible gift and adding travel expense disclosure requirements. It directly affects candidates for office, certain public officials, their family members, and the governor/cabinet officers. The bill specifies that gifts from entities tied to a lobbyist’s employer (through business or political links) are prohibited, and requires governors/cabinet members to disclose travel expenses paid by entities with interests in state policy. These changes aim to increase transparency around potential conflicts of interest in lobbying and official travel.

Maddy summaryHJR 145 is a memorial resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor the late Representative Richard "Dick" Clark, Sr., a 22-year veteran of the House of Representatives who served Nashville's Antioch community. The resolution recognizes his advocacy for labor rights, mental health services, and his work supporting individuals with addiction, while extending condolences to his family. It does not enact any new law or policy but formally commemorates his legacy through official legislative recognition. The resolution was signed by the Governor on February 21, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 86 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor the 30th anniversary of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. The resolution recognizes the program's founding in 1995, its distribution of over 260 million books to children nationwide (including all 50 U.S. states and several countries), and its role in promoting early childhood literacy. It specifically highlights the program's focus on providing free, age-appropriate books from birth to age five and its documented positive impact on children's reading skills and kindergarten readiness. This resolution serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for Dolly Parton's philanthropy and the program's widespread educational benefits.

Maddy summaryHJR 87 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Ridley Wills II, a Nashville community leader, historian, and Vanderbilt University supporter who passed away. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's condolences to his family and commemorates his life and contributions, including his work as a historian, philanthropist, and board member for institutions like Vanderbilt University. It does not create new laws or affect any policies or individuals. The resolution was formally adopted by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor.

Maddy summaryHB 1374 prohibits third-party ticket resellers (like online marketplaces) from selling or offering to sell "speculative tickets" - tickets they don’t physically hold, own, or have a contract to receive at the time of sale. It directly affects ticket resellers operating online or through other platforms, requiring them to only sell tickets in their actual possession. The Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs enforces the rule and can impose a $5,000 penalty per violation for each prohibited sale or listing. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all ticket resale transactions after that date.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) introduced by Representative Hemmer to recognize May 2025 as Myositis Awareness Month in Tennessee. It commemorates the efforts of The Myositis Association to raise public awareness about myositis - a group of rare autoimmune muscle diseases affecting thousands of Tennesseans. The resolution has no policy changes or funding provisions; it solely expresses legislative support for the awareness campaign.

Maddy summaryHB 80 prohibits third-party ticket resellers (like online marketplaces) from selling or offering to sell "speculative tickets" - defined as tickets a reseller doesn’t physically possess, own, or have under contract to receive at the time of sale. The bill directly affects ticket resellers and consumers who purchase tickets through these platforms. Key provisions require Tennessee’s Division of Consumer Affairs to enforce the ban (imposing $5,000 penalties per violation) and allow consumers to sue resellers for damages, attorney fees, and court costs if they violate the law. The bill applies to all online resellers and takes effect July 1, 2025.