Rep. Clay Doggett

Maddy summaryHJR 764 is a formal resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Clara Parker for her 40-year dedication to preserving Giles County's historical records. It recognizes her work co-founding the Giles County Archives in 1986, documenting thousands of historical materials, authoring the Giles County Cemetery Book, and creating partnerships with local institutions. The resolution specifically commends her efforts in safeguarding county history, supporting genealogical research, and contributing to Tennessee's cultural heritage. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it has no policy impact beyond this formal recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 577 increases the state-funded stipend that eligible counties receive for housing each convicted felon in county facilities. This change directly affects counties operating correctional facilities, providing them with additional state funding per inmate. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee law (TCA Titles 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 29, 38, 39, 40, and 41) to adjust the stipend amount. It was signed into law in May 2025 and takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 576 amends Tennessee bond laws to require that notices on bonds (used by bondsmen) must be formatted with different font sizes and colors to ensure the notice is conspicuous and easy to read. This change directly affects bondsmen and the individuals they assist, as it modifies how critical information must appear on bond documents. The bill specifically adds this formatting requirement to existing bond notice rules in Tennessee Code. The amendment took effect on May 21, 2025, with additional applicability on January 1, 2026. It is a procedural change focused solely on notice visibility, not substantive policy.

Maddy summaryHB 594 amends Tennessee law to allow religious institutions to hold up to four annual temporary sales events without needing to register for sales tax collection, increasing the previous limit of two events. This change directly affects bona fide religious organizations in Tennessee that sell goods directly to consumers during these limited sales periods. The bill updates Tennessee Code Annotated Section 67-6-102 by adding religious institutions to the list of exempt entities, alongside volunteer fire departments. The policy change, effective May 21, 2025, reduces administrative burdens for religious groups conducting fundraising or community sales.

Maddy summaryHB 578 expands Tennessee's list of "dangerous felonies" to include new offenses like human trafficking, aggravated stalking, methamphetamine manufacturing, and drug trafficking. This change means that if someone possesses a firearm (including antique firearms) while committing or attempting any of these newly listed crimes, they face enhanced penalties. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of these specific offenses who own firearms, increasing legal consequences for firearm possession during such crimes. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1324 to add 14 new offenses to the existing dangerous felony list, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 528 adjusts Tennessee's bail bond fee rules by setting a minimum premium fee of 5% and maximum of 10% of a bond's face value (e.g., $125-$250 on a $2,500 bond). It directly affects individuals using bail bonds (defendants or their families) and professional bondsmen/insurance agents who set these fees. The bill amends three sections of Tennessee law to establish this new 5-10% fee range, replacing previous rules that only capped fees at 10% or allowed higher rates in certain cases. The changes take effect July 1, 2025, and represent a concrete policy shift in pretrial release costs.

Maddy summaryHB 1256 reduces the number of missed court appearances required for a defendant to be placed on a fugitives list from five to three. This change directly affects criminal defendants who repeatedly fail to appear in court for their cases. The bill amends Section 39-16-202 of Tennessee law (within Title 39) and related provisions across multiple criminal justice codes to implement this threshold adjustment. The law became effective on July 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summaryHJR 694 is a ceremonial joint resolution honoring Benjamin and Lauren Neale, owners of Light Hill Meats in Lynnville, Tennessee, for receiving the U.S. Small Business Administration's Tennessee District Office Rural Small Business of the Year award. The resolution formally congratulates them on their business achievements and community contributions, including their farm-to-table beef operation, pandemic-era community support, and charitable work. It does not create new laws or policies, as it is solely a symbolic recognition with no direct impact on legislation or affected parties beyond the named individuals.

Maddy summaryHJR 661 is a symbolic resolution honoring Bertha Mae Dees Faulkner, a Lawrence County volunteer who posthumously received Tennessee's Governor's Volunteer Stars Award. It recognizes her 33 years with the South Central Human Resource Agency's Head Start Program and 19 years mentoring students through New Prospect Elementary School's Foster Grandparent Program. The resolution formally acknowledges her community service, which impacted over 370 students and embodied Tennessee's "Volunteer State" spirit. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact and serves only to memorialize her legacy.

Maddy summaryHJR 662 is a commemorative resolution honoring Heather Ayres for founding the Giles County Rehab Unit in January 2024. The unit provides first responders with rest areas, hydration, and supplies during emergencies and training. The resolution was enacted by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor on May 5, 2025, recognizing Ayres' community service and the unit's growth from a small initiative to a supported resource.