Rep. Kip Capley

Maddy summaryHJR 407 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Cameron Marrisett, a 2025 Top Ten Senior at Hampshire Unit School in Tennessee. The resolution recognizes his academic achievements, extracurricular involvement (including Beta Club and baseball), and community volunteer work. It does not create any new laws or policies - it solely serves to formally commend Marrisett and express the General Assembly's admiration for his accomplishments. The resolution was passed and signed by the Governor in April 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 411 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Tyler Sparks, the 2025 salutatorian of Hampshire Unit School in Tennessee. It recognizes his academic achievements, extracurricular involvement (including baseball and FBLA), community service, and future plans to study finance at Columbia State Community College. The resolution formally commends him for his "exemplary grade point average" and dedication, expressing the General Assembly's admiration for his accomplishments. As a symbolic gesture with no policy or funding implications, it does not affect any laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 423 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Mari Storkamp, the 2025 salutatorian of Zion Christian Academy, for her academic achievements. It recognizes her exemplary grade point average, extracurricular involvement, and dedication to excellence during her high school career. The resolution serves as a formal expression of commendation from the legislature and does not create any legal obligations or policy changes. It is purely a commemorative gesture with no direct impact on laws or affected parties.

Maddy summaryHJR 417 is a resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to formally honor Audrey Owens, a 2025 Top Ten Senior at Zion Christian Academy, for her academic achievements. The resolution commends her exemplary grade point average, dedication to excellence, and participation in numerous extracurricular activities. It serves as a symbolic recognition from the state legislature, with a copy to be presented to Ms. Owens as a formal tribute to her accomplishments. This non-binding resolution does not create new laws or provide financial benefits, but expresses official commendation for her high school achievements.

Maddy summaryHB 554 creates a civil lawsuit for individuals whose right to bear arms under the Tennessee or U.S. Constitution is restricted by government entities (like police departments or local officials). It allows people to sue for actual damages or $250 per day of the violation, plus attorney fees and court costs. The bill specifically applies when government action infringes on gun rights without being based on a valid, unchallenged law. It does not apply to lawful enforcement of existing regulations or replace other legal remedies. The bill passed a committee but failed in the Civil Justice Subcommittee on April 2, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 557 creates Tennessee's State Disaster Relief Program, administered by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), to provide grants to counties affected by natural disasters that don't qualify for federal disaster aid. Counties can request grants to cover costs for repairing public infrastructure, emergency response, debris removal, and protecting public health/safety after a declared local emergency. Grants are capped at $250,000 per county annually, contingent on annual state funding allocations. The program specifically targets disasters below the federal relief threshold, such as localized floods, storms, or wildfires, without replacing federal assistance.

Maddy summaryHJR 303 is a memorial resolution honoring Antonio "Tony" Santini of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, following his passing. It formally recognizes his life, legacy, and contributions to his community, family, and the state, including his service in the Italian Merchant Marines, entrepreneurship, and dedication to family values. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's condolences to his surviving family members and commemorates his 61-year marriage and community impact. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy provisions or direct effects on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summaryHB 343 prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or free sampling of counterfeit lighters (infringing U.S. intellectual property) or unsafe lighters that don’t meet ASTM safety standards for specific types (e.g., disposable lighters must comply with ASTM F400-20, utility lighters with ASTM F2201-20). It directly affects sellers and manufacturers of lighters in Tennessee, making violations subject to consumer protection laws. The law includes limited exemptions for interstate transportation through Tennessee and warehouse storage not open to public retail. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and amends Tennessee Code Titles 39 and 47.

Maddy summaryHB 556 would require all written driver license examinations in Tennessee to be administered in English only, prohibiting applicants from using translation dictionaries, electronic devices, or interpreters during the test. This directly affects non-English speaking applicants seeking driver licenses. The bill, which failed committee review in March 2025, would have taken effect July 1, 2025, if enacted. It amends Tennessee law to mandate English-only testing for all applicants.

Maddy summaryHB 559 removes the ban on holding or supporting a wireless device (like a phone) with your body while driving, except in school zones with active warning flashers or work zones with workers present. It maintains the existing ban on texting, reaching for, watching, or recording video on a device while driving. The bill updates penalties: holding a device in a school or work zone now carries a $200 fine, while other prohibited activities like texting still incur a $50 fine (or $100 for repeat offenses). This change takes effect July 1, 2025, directly affecting drivers who use wireless devices while operating vehicles.