Rep. Jody Barrett

Maddy summaryHB 2638 amends Charlotte's city charter to update governance rules and clarify city powers. It redefines "Elector" to include nonresident property owners with 50% full ownership of cemetery plots, revises tax assessment procedures, and updates council salary rules (preventing mid-term changes). The bill also clarifies the city clerk's duties, including maintaining records and financial statements, and modifies boundaries for annexation. These changes directly affect Charlotte's city government operations, council members, and residents involved in city elections or property matters. As a charter revision, it updates existing rules rather than creating new policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2317, the "Tennessee Anti-Grooming Act," creates a new criminal offense for adults who groom minors (under 18) or mentally compromised individuals (e.g., those with autism, intellectual disabilities, or severe mental health conditions) for sexual exploitation. It defines "grooming" as using electronic or in-person communication to build trust or control with the intent to facilitate sexual contact, simulated sexual contact, or exploitation. Penalties range from a Class E felony (standard) to a Class A felony (if victim is under 13) or higher, depending on victim age, prior offenses, or the offender’s position of trust. The bill supplements existing child protection laws and would take effect July 1, 2026, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 1624 makes knowingly violating a no-contact order issued as part of a defendant's sentence or probation/parole for certain domestic abuse-related crimes a Class A misdemeanor. It directly affects individuals convicted of offenses where the alleged victim was a domestic abuse victim under Tennessee law. The bill amends Tennessee Code to clarify that violations of such orders - whether issued before release on bond or as part of sentencing - constitute a specific criminal offense. This changes the legal consequence from a general probation breach to a defined misdemeanor charge, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring the memory of Jonathan Trevor Daniel, a retired law enforcement officer from Dickson County, Tennessee. It formally recognizes his thirty-year career in public service, particularly his twenty-six years with the Dickson County Sheriff's Office, and expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his family. The resolution does not create new laws or change policies but serves as an official tribute to his life and contributions to public safety.

Maddy summaryHB 1805 requires Tennessee K-12 public schools and charter schools to provide age-appropriate instruction on the history of communism. The bill mandates content covering U.S. domestic communist movements, global atrocities under communist regimes, comparisons with democratic principles, 20th-century threats including the Cultural Revolution, and communist policies in Cuba and Latin America. The Tennessee Department of Education must develop guidance for schools, potentially consulting victims of communism or relevant organizations. This law applies to the 2026-2027 school year and future academic years.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors Jim Bates as he retires from his role as Hickman County Mayor. The resolution recognizes his extensive background in public service, including decades as a firefighter and paramedic, followed by his election to the mayoral office in 2022. It highlights his contributions to the county, such as protecting the Duck River, consolidating county offices, and developing a new animal shelter. The bill concludes by expressing the legislature's well wishes for his future endeavors and authorizes the presentation of a copy of the resolution to him.

Maddy summaryHB 1543 would designate "Tennessee" by Drew Holcomb as an official state song, adding it to Tennessee's list of state symbols under state law. This change would directly affect the state by formally recognizing this song as part of Tennessee's cultural identity, without altering other laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee House resolution honors the Creek Wood High School boys' bowling team for winning the TSSAA Division I, Region 6 championship. The measure formally acknowledges the athletes' specific performance in the final match, where bowler Abe Monosmith secured the title with a spare in the tenth frame. It also recognizes the contributions of the team's coaches, families, and community supporters. The resolution serves as a public commendation and does not alter any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally honors the Dickson County High School girls' bowling team for winning the TSSAA Division I, Region 6 championship. It recognizes the specific achievements of the team members and their coaches, highlighting their performance in the final games. The resolution expresses the legislature's pride in the athletes and extends good wishes for their future endeavors.

Maddy summaryHB 1695, the "Tennessee Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act," authorizes the state treasurer to invest up to 10% of certain state funds (including the general fund and revenue fluctuation reserve) in Bitcoin, subject to strict security and reporting rules. Key provisions require Bitcoin holdings to be stored using a "secure custody solution" with multi-location encrypted hardware, multi-party transaction approval, and annual security audits, and limit annual purchases to 5% of the cap until reaching 10%. The bill mandates annual public reporting on holdings, dollar values, transactions, and gains, with verification via on-chain cryptographic proof. It explicitly prohibits investing in any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin and requires the state to develop internal self-custody by 2028. This policy directly affects how Tennessee manages its public investment portfolios.