Rep. Becky Jo Alexander

Maddy summaryHB 2323 allows incorporated cities and towns without school systems (defined as "municipalities" in the bill) to impose a tax on development activity within their boundaries. The tax must follow the same rate, terms, and limitations already set for counties under Tennessee law (sections 67-4-2908 and 67-4-2909). All revenue collected must be used exclusively for capital improvements to transportation infrastructure like roads, streets, sidewalks, and trails within the municipality. This bill amends Tennessee Code Title 67, Chapter 4, Part 29, to authorize this local tax and its specific funding requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1958 changes Tennessee's wage payment rules for employees paid by piece-work or commission. It extends the deadline for paying these workers from the 5th day of the next month to the last day of the next month, both for regular pay and final pay upon termination. This directly affects workers in roles like sales, construction, or other commission-based jobs where pay is tied to output. The bill amends Tennessee Code §50-2-103 to implement this change, effective July 1, 2026. It does not alter payment deadlines for hourly or salaried employees.

Maddy summaryHB 1467 exempts disaster grants administered by Tennessee's Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) from most state procurement rules, allowing faster distribution during emergencies. This applies to grants awarded directly to the state or to recipients/subrecipients for disaster response and recovery programs. The bill requires TEMA to maintain procedures for monitoring grant compliance (including book audits) and specifies that Section 12-3-602 of state law still applies to these grants. The change directly affects TEMA, local governments, and organizations receiving disaster funds by streamlining procurement while retaining oversight authority.

Maddy summaryHB 1957 creates the Tennessee Council for Research of Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing Children, operating under the Department of Health. The council will consist of 17 members appointed by the governor and legislative leaders to include diverse representation from the deaf community, parents, educators, and professionals. Its primary duties include identifying the number, demographics, and language development needs of children with hearing loss (birth to age 10) and recommending accessible assessment tools and practices that comply with federal law. The council must submit a final report and recommendations by a set deadline before dissolving.

Maddy summaryHB 2128 establishes fundamental legal rights for children in Tennessee, directly affecting children involved in legal proceedings or government decisions about their welfare. The bill explicitly states that children have equal protection under the law, the right to safety and protection from harm, and the "best interests of the child" as the paramount concern for courts and officials. Key provisions require courts to consider children’s views in age-appropriate ways, provide legal representation for children in major proceedings, and justify placements against child welfare recommendations. It also mandates courts to evaluate safety evidence using specific standards and prohibits placing children with individuals posing known risks. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 36 and 37 to implement these changes.

Maddy summaryHB 2500 revises Tennessee's public records fee system to improve accessibility and clarify costs. It allows citizens to request records via phone, email, or online portals instead of requiring written requests, and shifts the cost of redacting confidential information to the requester. Government offices must now use a standardized fee schedule for copying and inspection, based on guidelines from the Open Records Counsel. These changes take effect July 1, 2026, directly affecting both the public seeking records and government offices handling requests.

Maddy summaryHB 858 requires Tennessee's insurance commissioner to study how easily patients and doctors can request exceptions to step therapy rules online. The study will assess whether insurers' processes are accessible without unnecessary barriers for those seeking coverage for cancer treatments. The commissioner must submit findings and recommendations by December 2025. This bill affects insurers and healthcare providers who handle step therapy requests but does not change current coverage requirements. It becomes effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1361 amends Tennessee law to allow Johnson City to set specific hours for alcohol sales within its designated downtown district. It changes the maximum extension period for licensees to sell alcohol from 30 days to 45 days under Section 57-4-304(a). This directly affects businesses holding alcohol licenses in Johnson City's downtown area, giving the city more flexibility to regulate operating hours. The bill makes a concrete policy change to existing licensing rules without altering broader state alcohol laws.

Maddy summaryHB 1255 modifies Tennessee's child custody and domestic abuse laws. It requires courts to provide written explanations in custody orders about whether time restrictions on parenting plans apply, and adjusts those time limits from 2 to 3 hours (temporary) and 10 to 15 hours (permanent). The bill also clarifies that "abuse" under domestic violence law includes acts indirectly committed through third parties - like family members, friends, or coworkers acting on behalf of the abuser. These changes directly affect families involved in custody cases and domestic violence proceedings handled by Tennessee courts. The bill became law on April 29, 2025 (Public Chapter 265).

Maddy summaryHB 1253 increases the maximum consecutive days a substitute teacher can work without a teaching license from 20 to 30 days in Tennessee public schools. It also changes the paid parental leave policy for eligible school employees, allowing six weeks of leave to be taken either consecutively or non-consecutively (based on specified criteria), rather than requiring consecutive use. These changes amend Tennessee Code Annotated Section 8-50-814 and Titles 49, Chapters 6 and 3, Part 3. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.