Rep. Pat Marsh

Maddy summaryHJR 521 is a commemorative resolution honoring R. Kinney Poynter, CPA, for his retirement after 35 years with the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers, and Treasurers (NASACT). It specifically recognizes his leadership as NASACT's executive director (2003-2025) and his dedicated contributions to Tennessee's Annual Government Auditing Training Seminar. The resolution formally commends Poynter for advancing government accountability, transparency, and professional standards in public financial oversight. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect or policy changes - it serves only to symbolically acknowledge his service.

Maddy summaryHB 831 reallocates 3 percent of revenue from Tennessee's beer barrelage tax (currently sent to the general fund) to the Department of Agriculture starting July 1, 2025. This funding directly supports two goals: encouraging breweries to use Tennessee-grown agricultural products and promoting the growth of the state's brewing industry. The bill amends Tennessee law to require this specific allocation, directing the Department of Agriculture to administer the funds for these purposes. It does not change tax rates or affect individual consumers.

Maddy summaryHB 422 grants the Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission the authority to name real property, infrastructure, improvements to infrastructure, or features under its jurisdiction. This procedural bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections 3-2-112, 4-1-412, and Title 70, Chapter 1, Part 2 to formally establish this naming power. The Commission, which manages state wildlife areas and related assets, will now have this administrative tool. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 832 amends Tennessee law to extend the deadline for notifying firefighter commission associations about vacancies or term expirations. Specifically, it changes the requirement from notifying within two weeks to fifteen days after a vacancy occurs (due to death, resignation, etc.) or 30 days before an incumbent commissioner's term ends. This affects the commission chair, who must now provide this notice to the relevant association within the new timeframe. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on notification timing without altering appointment processes or policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 288), not a substantive bill. It formally honors Bruce MacDonald and his horse Cavender, the 2024 Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration World Grand Champion, along with trainer/rider Tim Smith. The resolution expresses legislative congratulations for their championship victory at the annual event in Shelbyville. It has no policy impact or binding effect - it is solely a gesture of recognition for their achievement in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 249 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the Unity School Lions boys' basketball team for winning the 2025 Tennessee Middle School Athletic Association (TMSAA) Class A state championship. It commends the team's 28-2 season record, including defeating four consecutive defending state champions, and recognizes their role as Lincoln County's first basketball state champions at any level. The resolution, passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor, serves as a formal expression of legislative recognition with no policy changes or direct impacts on laws or programs. It specifically celebrates the team's sportsmanship, community involvement, and historical achievement.

Maddy summaryHR 5 creates a temporary committee to review a complaint filed by Rueben Dockery against Representative Jason Powell regarding Tennessee's 53rd legislative district. The committee, appointed by the House Speaker, will examine the complaint using procedures outlined in Tennessee law and House rules, then submit findings to the full House. This procedural bill directly affects the complaint process for the 53rd district and the representatives involved, but does not alter voting rights or create new laws. The committee must complete its review and report its recommendations to the House before dissolving.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 42 is a formal resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to commend Dan Long for his 22 years of service on the Lincoln County Election Commission, including his role as chairman. The resolution recognizes his dedication to election integrity, leadership in modernizing voting technology, and community involvement, while extending well-wishes for his retirement. This symbolic gesture does not create new law or policy but formally honors Long's public service contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 423 would have exempted subsidiaries of Tennessee agricultural cooperatives from business privilege taxes, regardless of their legal structure (e.g., corporation, LLC, or partnership). It applied to any subsidiary controlled by an agricultural cooperative where profits benefit the parent cooperative, ensuring these entities aren’t taxed as profit-making businesses. The bill aimed to simplify tax treatment for agricultural cooperatives by removing the requirement that subsidiaries must be incorporated as corporations to qualify for the exemption. However, the bill was withdrawn on February 3, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 165 changes the start date for when Tennessee's Department of Transportation can reduce maximum vehicle weight limits from January 15 to January 1 annually. This extends the period during which weight restrictions may be implemented to protect roads from damage during early spring thaw, beginning two weeks earlier. The bill directly affects commercial trucking companies and heavy vehicle operators traveling on Tennessee roads between January 1 and April 15. The change does not alter the April 15 end date for the weight restriction period.