Rep. Gino Bulso

Maddy summaryHR 159 is a procedural resolution approving amendments to the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure, proposed by the Tennessee Supreme Court. It formally ratifies changes to court procedures governing criminal cases, such as evidence rules and defendant rights, as promulgated by the Supreme Court under Tennessee law. The resolution does not create new law but grants legislative approval for these court-drafted rules to take effect. This affects criminal courts, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and defendants operating under Tennessee's criminal justice system.

Maddy summaryHB 1473 exempts private citizens and organizations in Tennessee from being required to recognize same-sex marriages, stating they are not bound by the Fourteenth Amendment or the *Obergefell* Supreme Court ruling. It specifically prohibits the attorney disciplinary board from sanctioning lawyers who decline to officiate same-sex weddings. The bill amends Tennessee law to create these protections, effective July 1, 2026. It does not affect government recognition of same-sex marriages or prohibit same-sex marriage itself, focusing solely on private sector obligations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Lewis "Lew" H. Conner, Jr., a Nashville attorney, judge, and philanthropist who served on the Tennessee Court of Appeals, pioneered mediation in Tennessee, and championed the Tennessee Golf Foundation. It commemorates his legacy of public service, including his roles as a Vanderbilt University graduate, founder of Golf House Tennessee, and recipient of the Nashville Bar Association's highest honor. The resolution was unanimously passed by the Tennessee General Assembly as a symbolic tribute to his contributions to the state.

Maddy summaryHB 52, the VALOR Act, exempts Tennessee veterans with 100% permanent and total service-connected disability from specific taxes and fees. It removes the $10 fee for permanent hunting/fishing licenses, reimburses property taxes on their primary home, and waives registration fees for one vehicle (passenger car, RV, or half/¾-ton truck). Eligibility requires verification of disability status through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, directly benefiting qualifying veterans who own homes or vehicles in Tennessee.

Maddy summaryHB 99 revises Tennessee's unlawful photography law (TCA § 39-13-605) to strengthen penalties and protections. It upgrades certain offenses to higher felony classifications (e.g., Class E felony for non-minor offenses, Class D felony when a minor under 13 is involved), adds mandatory sex offender registration for violations, and specifies aggravating factors like using a position of trust over a victim. The law directly affects individuals who take unauthorized photos in private settings, particularly when minors under 13 are involved or the offender holds a position of authority over the victim. Key provisions include increased criminal penalties, mandatory registration under Tennessee’s sex offender registry, and updated definitions for sentencing. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 327 designates June as "Celebration of Life" month, July as "Celebration of Liberty" month, and August as "Celebration of the Pursuit of Happiness" month in Tennessee. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, to establish these official designations for observance purposes. It takes effect upon becoming law, with no new requirements or funding tied to the designations. This is a symbolic measure focused on naming months for commemorative observance.

Maddy summaryHJR 689 is a symbolic memorial resolution honoring Pope Francis following his death on April 21, 2025. It expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's condolences and commemorates his life, papacy, and focus on service to the marginalized, including his writings and advocacy for peace. The resolution contains no policy changes or concrete actions - it is purely a ceremonial tribute with no direct impact on individuals or legislation. As a procedural memorial, it does not affect laws or regulations. The resolution was formally adopted by both chambers and signed by the Governor on May 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 178, the "Success Sequence Act," requires Tennessee public schools to include age-appropriate instruction in family life curriculum about a specific sequence of life steps: obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent, entering the workforce or pursuing postsecondary education, marrying, and then having children. It mandates that schools provide evidence about the positive personal and societal outcomes linked to following this sequence, as outlined in the bill's preamble. The law applies to the 2025-2026 school year and all subsequent years. This directly affects school curricula and educators responsible for teaching family life education in Tennessee.

Maddy summaryHB 65 authorizes cities in Tennessee with a city manager-commission charter to contract with private companies for the development, construction, management, or operation of sports facilities (indoor or outdoor). This applies to cities that already operate under specific charter structures, directly affecting their ability to partner with private entities for such projects. The bill specifies cities can set terms for revenue sharing, facility leases/sales, management fees, or other agreements they deem beneficial for residents. The law took effect on April 24, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summaryHB 346 names House chamber seat 60's desk as the "Legislative Desk of Representative John J. Deberry, Jr." and requires the House chief clerk to install a commemorative plaque on the desk. The bill directly affects the physical space in the Tennessee House chamber by formally honoring Representative Deberry's service. It contains no substantive policy changes, as it solely establishes a ceremonial designation for a specific desk location. The bill is purely procedural and commemorative in nature.