Rep. Gino Bulso

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee House Joint Resolution honors Evangeline Monge of Centennial High School for being named the 2025 WILLCO Awards Girls' Wrestling Athlete of the Year. The bill formally recognizes her athletic achievements and character as an ambassador for the state. It directs the state to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to her upon request.

Maddy summaryHB 1456 increases Tennessee's liability limits for state tort claims. It raises the maximum damages per claimant from $300,000 to $500,000 and per occurrence from $1 million to $1.5 million. This bill directly affects individuals or entities filing lawsuits against the state for injuries or damages caused by state actions. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, as specified in the bill text.

Maddy summaryThis resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to Tennessee's Constitution, granting individuals the right to refuse any medical treatment - including procedures, medications, vaccinations, or other interventions - without being forced to undergo it, even during a state emergency. It would directly affect all Tennesseans by establishing a new constitutional right to medical autonomy. The amendment requires the Tennessee General Assembly to create laws implementing this right, though it does not specify how such laws would operate.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors Luke Greeson, a 2026 high school graduate from Tennessee, for his outstanding academic achievements. The resolution recognizes his accomplishments, including being a National Merit Finalist, earning an AP Scholar with Distinction, and achieving perfect scores on the ACT and National Latin Exam. It formally commends his dedication to academic excellence and extends best wishes for his future success. The document serves as a ceremonial tribute rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1480 designates September 10 of each year as "Charlie Kirk Day" in Tennessee to honor the legacy of Charlie Kirk, a Christian leader and founder of Turning Point, USA, who died in 2025. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 15, Chapter 2, to add this day of special observance to the state's official calendar. This is a commemorative measure with no new policy requirements or financial obligations. It does not affect legislation or government operations but provides official recognition of a person's contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 1491, the "Protecting Religious Liberty and Expression in Public Schools Act," restricts public school employees from enforcing the "separation of church and state doctrine" unless required by a specific court order or a directly-on-point U.S. Supreme Court ruling. It defines this doctrine to include specific Supreme Court cases like *Lemon v. Kurtzman* and *Everson v. Board of Education*, and prohibits state employees from applying it broadly in school settings. The bill allows students, parents, or others harmed by such enforcement to sue for damages, injunctions, or attorney fees. It directly affects public school staff (teachers, administrators) and students in Tennessee K-12 schools by altering legal standards for religious expression.

Maddy summaryHB 852 extends the timeframe for handgun permit holders to challenge a suspension or revocation from 30 to 60 days. It directly affects individuals whose Tennessee handgun carry permits have been suspended or revoked by the Department of Safety, allowing them more time to petition a state court for review. The bill amends Tennessee Code Section 39-17-1354 to change the deadline for filing such petitions. This is a procedural adjustment with no new requirements or restrictions on permits. The change takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1248 extends the deadline for permit holders to notify the Tennessee Department of Safety of a new address from 60 to 90 days after changing their principal residence. This change applies to various permit holders covered under multiple Tennessee Code sections (including Titles 4, 8, 10, 13, 16, 29, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 47, 49, 50, 52, 55, 58, 62, 65, 68, and 70). The bill directly affects individuals holding permits regulated by these sections who relocate. It requires no new requirements - only delays the existing notification deadline by 30 days. The change takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1474, the "No Pride Flag or Month Act," prohibits Tennessee state agencies and political subdivisions from displaying LGBTQ flags or emblems (like rainbow or transgender flags) on state property or recognizing Pride Month (June) or other LGBTQ-related observances. It directly affects state employees, volunteers, and government buildings by banning such displays or acknowledgments during work hours. The bill creates a private right of action, allowing citizens to sue state entities for violations and seek damages, injunctions, or attorney fees. Exceptions include off-duty conduct, First Amendment-protected speech, and existing laws not related to this ban.

Maddy summaryHB 1472, titled the "Banning Bostock Act," amends Tennessee's anti-discrimination laws to explicitly exclude protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. It prohibits state and local laws from banning discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, or gender non-conforming behavior, and prevents courts from using the *Bostock v. Clayton County* Supreme Court ruling (which extended workplace protections to LGBTQ+ employees) when interpreting Tennessee's discrimination statutes. The bill directly affects LGBTQ+ residents by limiting legal safeguards in employment, housing, and public accommodations, while allowing sex-segregated facilities like restrooms and sports teams. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and would reshape how Tennessee enforces its anti-discrimination policies.