Rep. Jody Barrett

Maddy summaryHB 1368 exempts real estate appraisers from Tennessee's business tax on services they provide. The bill amends Tennessee's tax code (Title 67, Chapter 4, Part 7) to add a new exemption for "services furnished by persons engaged in the appraisal of real estate or real property" under the business tax definition. This directly affects licensed real estate appraisers and their businesses by removing a tax burden on their core services. The key mechanism is adding a specific exemption category to the tax code, clarifying that appraisal services are not subject to the state business tax. The bill has been referred to committee for further review but has not yet passed.

Maddy summaryHB 729 increases penalties for obstructing public passageways in Tennessee. It upgrades general obstruction (e.g., blocking sidewalks, streets, or waterways) from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. For intentional obstruction of highways, streets, or vehicle routes, it imposes a Class D felony penalty instead. The bill directly affects individuals who block public pathways, with harsher criminal charges for willful interference with vehicle movement. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2167 requires all public colleges and universities in Tennessee to close for all academic activities on general election days. The bill mandates that institutions observe a full "academic holiday," canceling all classes (in-person, online, or asynchronous), exams, quizzes, assignments, and any graded work that affects a student's grade. This applies specifically to general election days and affects students and faculty at every public higher education institution in the state. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections related to election laws to implement this requirement.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors and commends Drew Holcomb, a singer-songwriter from Tennessee, for his dedication to and love for the state. The resolution recognizes Holcomb's career as a cultural ambassador who promotes Tennessee through his music and public life, highlighting his roots in Memphis and his family life in Nashville. It serves as an official expression of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly rather than creating new laws or policies. The document will be presented to Holcomb as a symbolic gesture of recognition for his contributions to the state's cultural heritage.

Maddy summaryHB 2168 amends Tennessee's public records law to require disclosure of specific information related to carrying out a death sentence. It makes the names of individuals directly involved in executions, the identity of suppliers providing execution drugs, and records of payments to suppliers or contractors public. However, it protects sensitive personal details like addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers of supplier employees. The bill aims to increase transparency in execution processes while maintaining safeguards for private information.

Maddy summaryHB 2166 requires blood banks to follow a physician's order for a patient's own blood donation (autologous) or a donation specifically designated for that patient (directed). It also mandates hospitals to permit such donations for patients scheduled for medical procedures, unless medically unsafe or incompatible with safety standards. The bill allows facilities to charge reasonable administrative fees but explicitly states it does not override existing federal or state blood safety, testing, or compatibility requirements. This directly affects patients needing scheduled procedures, blood banks, and hospitals by streamlining access to pre-donated blood while maintaining all current safety protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 1544 requires Tennessee’s Department of Education to submit an annual report to the state legislature about the Education Freedom Scholarship Program (school vouchers). The report must include data on scholarship recipients’ counties, enrollment schools, grade levels, household incomes, and program costs (like administrative expenses and third-party contracts), while excluding personal student information. This bill directly affects the Department of Education (as the reporting entity) and the General Assembly (as the recipient of the data). The first report is due June 1, 2026, with annual reports due October 1 thereafter.

Maddy summaryHJR 92 proposes amending Tennessee's constitution to establish parents' inherent right to direct their child's education, including home-based schooling. It prohibits the state or local governments from creating or enforcing laws that restrict this right or impose regulations on home education. The amendment explicitly states that accepting public education funds (like scholarships or vouchers) does not waive this parental right. This proposal is still under review by the Education Committee's K-12 Subcommittee and would require voter approval if passed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryHJR 1009 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Poppy Pewitt, a Dickson County High School sophomore and 2025 Tennessee Golf Association Girls' Junior Player of the Year. It recognizes her achievements, including winning the TSSAA Class AA individual girls' golf state championship and leading her team to its first state tournament appearance since 1985. The resolution formally congratulates her for her athletic success and character, extending "best wishes for every continued success." As a symbolic honor with no binding policy changes, it directly affects only Poppy Pewitt through official recognition from the Tennessee General Assembly.

Maddy summaryHJR 1010 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Danny Herron upon his retirement as President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville. It recognizes his 16+ years of service, including building over 500 homes, generating $125 million in real estate value, and expanding the organization’s impact across Middle Tennessee. The resolution contains no policy changes or funding provisions - it solely offers formal commendation for Herron’s community leadership. It passed unanimously in both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly in March 2026.