Rep. Clay Doggett

Maddy summaryHB 489 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to submit an annual report by February 1st on the effectiveness of programs that divert offenders from state correctional facilities. The report must be sent to three specific legislative committees: the House committee on criminal justice, the Senate judiciary committee, and the Senate fiscal review committee. This bill amends Tennessee law to establish this reporting requirement but does not change existing diversion programs or policies. The measure focuses on creating a regular process for legislative oversight of current correctional practices.

Maddy summaryHB 2374 changes Tennessee court procedures for handling bench warrants when defendants fail to appear. It removes the requirement for courts to enter certain misdemeanor (violent/sexual) or non-violent felony bench warrants into state/federal databases, extends the time for entering felony warrants from 3 to 10 business days, and makes it optional for courts to relieve bail bond sureties of liability if warrants aren't entered within that timeframe. The bill directly affects courts, bail bond companies, and defendants who skip court appearances. These changes modify administrative processes but do not alter criminal definitions or penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 2369 increases the monthly supervision fee for defendants under court supervision from $10 to $15. It also requires municipalities to pay autopsy costs requested by local law enforcement, unless the state covers them. Additionally, the bill reclassifies illegal possession of communication devices in prisons as a Class E felony (previously a fine-only offense). These changes directly affect defendants paying fees, municipalities managing autopsy costs, and inmates facing new felony charges for prison device violations. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2368 shortens the reporting deadline for certain offenses occurring within Tennessee penal institutions. It changes the required timeframe from five business days to three business days for wardens or chief administrative officers to notify the district attorney general of the institution's judicial district. This amendment applies to multiple sections of Tennessee law related to criminal justice, including Titles 8, 10, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 49, 50, 55, and 70 of the Tennessee Code Annotated. The bill directly affects penal institutions' administrative procedures and the district attorneys handling these reports.

Maddy summaryHB 2376 requires county sheriffs to provide free, secure lockers for individuals lawfully carrying firearms who are restricted from bringing them into county courthouses. If a courthouse restricts handgun possession under existing law, the sheriff must offer lockers near public entrances for safe storage at no cost to the person. The bill applies specifically to those carrying firearms legally under Tennessee statutes (e.g., permit holders), not to general courthouse access. It does not change existing restrictions but creates a practical storage solution for affected individuals. The measure amends Tennessee Code sections related to firearms and courthouse access.

Maddy summaryHB 1273 creates a new felony charge for recklessly threatening mass violence against child care centers, preschools, or religious institutions, and a misdemeanor for failing to report such threats. The law requires immediate reporting of threats to both local law enforcement and the affected institution, with specific details needed in the report. Violators face penalties including up to 6 years in prison for the felony threat and up to 6 months for failing to report. The bill defines "property" to include buildings and grounds of these institutions and mandates restitution for disruption caused by threats.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee House Joint Resolution honors Coach Chad Hall of Richland High School for achieving his 500th career victory in high school girls' basketball. The resolution formally recognizes his milestone accomplishment, which occurred during a Region 5A semifinal game on March 2, 2026. It also acknowledges his program's success, including leading the Lady Raiders to their first state championship in school history. The document serves as a ceremonial tribute rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors and commends the Richland High School cheerleading team in Tennessee for their athletic achievements and positive representation of the state. The resolution recognizes the team's specific accomplishments, including winning regional cheerleading championships and placing highly in national competitions, while also acknowledging their support for multiple school sports teams. The measure lists the names of all team members and their coaches to be officially recognized for their dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship during the 2025-2026 season. Once passed by both legislative chambers, a copy of the resolution will be prepared for presentation to the team as a formal gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryHB 2367 expands the legal definition of "victim" in Tennessee criminal law to include insurance companies that compensated victims and law enforcement agencies that spent funds on investigations. It also explicitly allows victims (or their representatives) to attend court proceedings related to their case, beyond the state's designated witness. The bill specifically adds certain offenses - like evading arrest causing serious injury/death and vehicular homicide - to the list where victim impact is considered during sentencing. These changes directly affect crime victims, their representatives, insurance providers, and law enforcement agencies involved in criminal cases. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2373 creates a $800 annual bonus for full-time, certified county correctional officers in Tennessee who complete at least 40 hours of approved in-service training each year. The bill requires counties to provide this supplemental payment on top of regular salaries, not as a replacement for existing pay or raises. Officers must have worked at least eight months for the county (with exceptions for military service, retirement, or disability) to qualify. The funds must be used solely as a training bonus and cannot be applied to future salary calculations or retirement benefits.