Rep. Jake McCalmon

Maddy summaryHB 1164 allows uniformed law enforcement officers in Tennessee to wear military medals, badges, or service decorations earned from the U.S. Armed Forces, Tennessee National Guard, or State Guard during specific periods around Veterans Day and Memorial Day. This includes the week before, the holiday itself, and the day after each observance. The bill permits this temporary wearing, though employers may still prohibit it if they determine it poses a safety risk to officers or the public. The policy directly affects Tennessee law enforcement personnel during these designated holiday periods.

Maddy summaryHB 142 allows liquor licensees who own over 50% of both a winery and a manufacturer operating on the same deeded property to offer wine or spirit tastings and retail sales for consumption at a designated area within their shared location. It specifically applies to businesses where the winery and manufacturer premises are contiguous and located on the same property, with all sold products made on-site at that property. The law permits these sales outside the licensed production areas ("bonded premises") of the winery or manufacturer. This bill amends Tennessee’s alcoholic beverage laws (TCA Title 57) to create this new sales option for qualifying businesses.

Maddy summaryHJR 679 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor actor William Zabka for his role as Johnny Lawrence in the TV series *Cobra Kai*. It recognizes his contributions to television, his portrayal of a character that inspired renewed interest in martial arts, and his role in promoting values like perseverance and mentorship. This resolution, signed by the Governor on May 2, 2025, has no legal effect and serves only as symbolic recognition of Zabka's cultural impact. It directly affects Zabka by formally acknowledging his work but does not change any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis commemorative resolution honors Rex Teixeira, a Franklin high school student, and the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration for their advocacy work raising public awareness about Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD), a terminal neurodegenerative disease affecting speech, behavior, and motor skills. It recognizes their efforts to increase understanding of FTD - a condition estimated to affect over 60,000 people in the U.S. - and supports the organization’s mission to improve quality of life for those affected and advance research toward a cure. The resolution has no binding policy effects; it is purely symbolic recognition, having been signed by both chambers and the Governor.

Maddy summaryHJR 681 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Laura Quering, a kindergarten teacher at Trinity Elementary School in Williamson County, for being named Educator of the Year by the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee. The resolution formally recognizes her dedication to inclusive education for students with Down syndrome and her commitment to helping them reach their full potential. It does not create new laws, alter policies, or affect any specific programs or individuals beyond this symbolic tribute. As a joint resolution, it serves only as a formal expression of appreciation with no binding effect on state operations or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 973 extends time limits for legal action related to child sexual abuse in Tennessee. It increases the criminal prosecution window from 25 to 30 years after the victim turns 18, and the civil lawsuit window from 15 to 30 years after the victim turns 18. The law directly affects victims of child sexual abuse who wish to pursue legal action later in life. This change takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to offenses occurring on or after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 861 requires Tennessee school districts to notify parents or guardians at least 10 days before a student’s special education IEP meeting and provide copies of all evaluations, assessments, and any draft IEP 48 hours prior to the meeting - unless parents decline in writing. It directly affects parents and guardians of students receiving special education services under Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Key provisions include standardized notice timelines and mandatory document sharing to improve transparency during IEP planning. Parents may opt out of receiving draft IEP copies by submitting written notice more than 48 hours before the meeting. The bill amends Tennessee special education law to formalize these communication requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 623 sets specific enrollment deadlines for Tennessee's voluntary pre-kindergarten programs. It requires the state education department to establish two deadlines: at-risk students turning four by August 15 must enroll by the start of the school year, while other four-year-olds (without disabilities or qualifying at age three) must enroll by August 30. The bill directly affects families and local schools offering pre-K, ensuring consistent enrollment timing for these student groups. Key provisions mandate the department to create these deadlines, applying to the 2025-2026 school year and beyond. This policy change standardizes enrollment windows without altering program eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryHJR 17 is a Tennessee House Joint Resolution urging U.S. Congress to adopt H.R. 25, the Fair Tax Act of 2023. It does not change tax law itself but recommends replacing all federal income, payroll, estate, and corporate taxes with a national retail sales tax. The resolution cites Tennessee's experience without a state income tax as evidence that consumption-based taxation promotes economic growth and job creation. It specifically urges repeal of the 16th Amendment and adoption of the Fair Tax Act's provisions. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect but expresses Tennessee's legislative position on federal tax policy.

Maddy summaryHB 161 changes Tennessee's insurance investment rules for domestic insurance companies. It raises the maximum percentage of foreign assets they can hold from 1% to 20%, and increases real property limits from 5% to 10%. The bill also adds new rules allowing investments in specific money market funds that meet national insurance standards (like government-backed or Class 1 funds), requiring compliance with NAIC guidelines. These changes directly affect Tennessee-based insurance companies by expanding their eligible investment options. The bill became law on April 8, 2025.