Rep. Jody Barrett

Maddy summaryHB 2316 requires all Tennessee electric utilities and project developers (both public and private) to assess large transformers for vulnerability to geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) by January 2027. Covered entities must report detailed findings - including transformer specifications, risk analysis, protection costs, and recommended solutions - to state officials by July 2027, while redacting sensitive security data under Critical Energy Infrastructure Information (CEII) protocols. The bill mandates specific technical standards for assessments, including modeling peak magnetic fields and accounting for transformer age, and explicitly prohibits relying solely on operational fixes like load shedding for GIC protection. This directly affects grid operators managing high-voltage infrastructure (100kV+ transformers) to enhance grid resilience against space weather events.

Maddy summaryHB 2304 repeals "convenience voting" (allowing voters to cast ballots at any early voting location) and establishes new rules for satellite voting sites during early voting periods. The bill requires satellite locations to serve no more than four precincts, be evenly distributed for accessibility, use secure paper ballots with serial numbers, and handle ballots strictly by precinct without mixing with other areas. It also mandates that satellite voting ends when early voting concludes and restricts election day voting to a voter’s residential precinct only. These changes would directly affect county election offices managing early voting sites and voters using satellite locations during early voting periods.

Maddy summaryHB 999 requires all voting machine and paper ballots in Tennessee elections to include a visible secure watermark for verification. It mandates that ballot scanners count votes based solely on the text or machine mark portion of the ballot, prohibiting the use of QR codes, bar codes, or other machine-coded markings for tabulation. The bill also creates new programs for scanning and auditing ballots, directing the coordinator of elections to define watermark specifications and placement. These changes directly affect Tennessee election officials, county election commissions, and the ballot processing systems used in all statewide and local elections.

Maddy summaryHB 570 directs the Tennessee State Capitol Commission to be responsible for maintaining the "monument to unborn children" using funds already allocated to the commission. This bill amends specific sections of Tennessee law to assign this maintenance duty, which directly affects the Capitol Commission's responsibilities. The key provision requires the Commission to cover upkeep and repairs of the monument through existing appropriations, without creating new funding. The bill does not change the monument's purpose or create new policy, but formally assigns maintenance duties to the Commission.

Maddy summaryHB 2165 removes a criminal penalty for local government officials in Tennessee who vote to adopt "prohibited sanctuary policies." Specifically, it deletes language classifying such a vote as a Class E felony under Tennessee law (TCA § 7-68-103(b)) and removes references to subsequent conviction in related statutes (TCA § 7-68-104(e)). This bill directly affects local elected officials, such as mayors or city council members, who previously faced potential felony charges for supporting certain sanctuary policies. The change modifies existing state code to eliminate this specific criminal penalty, focusing solely on the legal text rather than creating new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 2520 requires that when a county or city defaults on a state loan for its real property reappraisal program, the director of property assessments must notify the commissioner of finance and administration in writing. This amendment to Tennessee law (TCA Title 67, Chapter 5) specifically adds "in writing" to the existing requirement for such notifications. The bill directly affects local governments receiving state loans for property tax reappraisal and state agencies managing these loans. It creates a clear, documented process for reporting repayment defaults, replacing unspecified notification methods with a written standard.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 673 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor the late Police Chief Shanon Dale Irwin of Centerville. The resolution expresses the Assembly's condolences to his family and commemorates his service as a dedicated public servant who led the Centerville Police Department for many years. It formally recognizes his military background, community impact, and personal values through a ceremonial tribute without creating new laws or policies. This resolution was signed by the Governor on May 2, 2025, and will be presented to his family as a memorial.

Maddy summaryHJR 557 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Ryder Ward of Lewis County for receiving the Governor's Volunteer Stars Award. The resolution recognizes Ward's community service and highlights Tennessee volunteers' annual contributions of over 99 million service hours, valued at $2.6 billion to the state economy. As a formal expression of appreciation, this resolution does not create new laws or alter existing policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute to Ward's volunteer work.

Maddy summaryHJR 559 is a resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Martha Shepard of Dickson County for receiving the Governor's Volunteer Stars Award. It recognizes her community service and highlights the broader contributions of Tennessee volunteers, who collectively provide over 99 million hours of service annually. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, expressing legislative appreciation for Shepard’s volunteer work and the value of volunteerism statewide.

Maddy summaryHJR 558 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Stan Smith of Lewis County for receiving Tennessee's Governor's Volunteer Stars Award. It recognizes his community service and aligns with the state's acknowledgment of volunteers who contribute over 99 million hours annually to Tennessee communities. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it solely offers symbolic recognition through a formal expression of appreciation from the General Assembly. This type of resolution is standard practice for honoring citizens' contributions without altering legal obligations or funding.