Rep. Tim Hicks

Maddy summaryHB 864 requires vehicle owners to provide proof of insurance or financial responsibility before registering or renewing a vehicle in Tennessee. It increases the fee for failing to meet these requirements from $25 to $50 for the first failure, $250 for a second failure within three years, and $500 for a third or subsequent failure. The bill allocates 50% of each fee to county clerks (with specific distribution details), while the remainder funds the uninsured motorist identification fund. This bill directly affects vehicle owners seeking registration and county clerks handling registration processes.

Maddy summaryHJR 977 is a procedural resolution confirming Steven Emil Johnson's appointment to the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission. It does not create new policy but follows state law requiring legislative confirmation for this specific appointment. Johnson, appointed by the House Speaker, will serve a term expiring February 28, 2029. The resolution has no direct impact on public policy or regulations; it solely formalizes an existing appointment.

Maddy summaryHB 1837, titled the "Tennessee Private Property Vesting Rights of 2026," entitles property owners to just compensation from public entities when land use regulations (like zoning or development rules) reduce a property’s fair market value. It applies to owners of real property acquired after the regulation’s enactment, requiring public entities to pay compensation equal to the value loss upon written demand. Key exclusions include regulations protecting public health/safety (e.g., fire codes), federal compliance, or common law nuisances, with the public entity bearing the burden to prove exemptions. Owners must file claims within three years of the regulation’s enactment or a related land use application, and can seek attorney fees if compensation isn’t paid within 90 days of demand.

Maddy summaryHB 867 creates a pilot program for pregnant TennCare recipients with hypertension or diabetes, using remote patient monitoring to improve maternal health outcomes. The program requires technology vendors to provide devices that track blood pressure, glucose, and other health data, deliver devices directly to participants, and train them on use - ensuring functionality without broadband access. A nursing team and healthcare provider must monitor data, provide health coaching, and establish emergency protocols. The pilot aims to serve at least 300 participants across selected counties and must launch within 180 days of vendor contracts. The bill is currently pending review by the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee.

Maddy summaryHJR 916 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Kenneth Harlan Green, a former public servant and community coach from Johnson City, Tennessee. It commemorates his life, service, family values, and legacy without creating any new laws or policies. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's sympathy to his family - including his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters - and formally recognizes his contributions to public life. As a memorial resolution, it has no binding effect or direct impact on constituents, government operations, or legislation.

Maddy summaryHJR 914 is a memorial resolution honoring Tracy George Trott, a former Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel who dedicated 40 years to public service before retiring in 2018. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's condolences to his family and commemorates his legacy of leadership, commitment to law enforcement, and community involvement. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes his contributions through a legislative expression of respect. The resolution was passed unanimously and signed by the Governor on February 27, 2026.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 915 is a memorial resolution honoring Hobart L. "Coach" Powell, Sr., a retired high school coach and administrator from Jonesborough, Tennessee, who dedicated over 30 years to education and youth sports in Washington County. The resolution, approved by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor, formally commemorates his life, service, and legacy as a public servant, educator, and community leader. It extends condolences to his family and recognizes his contributions to coaching, school administration, and local athletics.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1880 exempts licensed attorneys in Tennessee with more than 20 years of practice from paying the professional privilege tax. The bill amends Tennessee's tax code to redefine the tax base, applying it only to attorneys who have practiced 20 years or less, thereby removing the tax burden for those with longer careers. This change will apply to privilege taxes due and payable after May 31, 2027, affecting attorneys with 21+ years of practice who previously paid the tax. The policy shift directly alters tax liability for a specific group of long-serving legal professionals without changing the tax rate or structure for others.

Maddy summaryHB 653 updates Tennessee's campaign finance laws by imposing a $150 annual registration fee on political campaign committees (but not candidates), increasing penalties for violations from $100 to $250, and requiring multi-county election candidates to file with all affected county commissions. The bill exempts party-controlled committees from contribution limits while subjecting associated committees to standard limits, and clarifies that campaign funds cannot cover litigation to attack opponents but may fund reputation defense. It also mandates electronic filings under penalty of perjury and extends post-election contribution acceptance periods for officeholders. These changes directly affect campaign committees, candidates, and party organizations managing election finances.

Maddy summaryHB 1181 extends Tennessee's sales and use tax exemption for broadband-related equipment and infrastructure through June 30, 2027, instead of ending in 2025. This directly affects internet service providers and businesses that purchase or lease equipment used to build or operate broadband networks. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 67-6-391 to update the exemption's end date and adjusts the section's title to "Tennessee broadband equipment and services exemption." The law, enacted as Public Chapter 449 in May 2025, provides continued tax relief for these businesses without creating new requirements.