Rep. Kirk Haston

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution honoring the memory of Gretchen Qualls Sadler, a resident of Linden, Tennessee. It formally recognizes her life and legacy as a devoted family member, community figure, and public servant. The resolution expresses sympathy to her family and directs that a copy of the document be prepared for presentation to her family upon request. This is a commemorative measure rather than a policy change, and it does not alter any laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 225 replaces Tennessee’s "Tennessee Community Schools Act" with the "Tennessee Full Service Community Schools Act." It requires local school districts to partner with community organizations to create schools offering integrated services like academic support, health care, and family resources - directly affecting public schools, students, families, and community partners. The bill establishes a grant program administered by the University of Tennessee starting in 2026, funding partnerships that develop long-term operational models through formal agreements with community groups. Schools receiving grants must coordinate services through stakeholder committees and conduct community needs assessments to align support with student and family requirements.

Maddy summaryHJR 923 is a symbolic resolution honoring the Hardin County High School Lady Tigers girls' bowling team for winning the TSSAA Division I state championship. It commends their perfect 16-0 season record and specific tournament victories (quarterfinal, semifinal, and final matches) without creating any new laws or altering policies. The resolution serves only as a formal recognition from the Tennessee General Assembly, directly affecting the team, coaches, and community by publicly celebrating their athletic achievement. It has no legal effect beyond this ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryHJR 922 is a non-binding ceremonial resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Libby Bromley, a Hardin County High School student who finished as a finalist in the TSSAA Division I girls' individual bowling state championship. The resolution recognizes her achievement (scoring 1,214 pins with a 202.3 average in the semi-finals) and her character as a student-athlete. It does not create any new laws or policies - it is purely symbolic, with no direct effect on legislation or regulations. The resolution was unanimously approved by both chambers and is now awaiting the Governor's formal presentation to Ms. Bromley.

Maddy summaryHB 2488 establishes a task force to develop a plan for Tennessee to assume full control of education programs currently managed by the U.S. Department of Education. The task force must publish a comprehensive plan within 120 days, requiring the state education department to inventory all federal education programs and grants within 60 days, and the attorney general to review state laws referencing federal education rules. The plan must identify statutory changes needed, recommend federal waivers or transfers, and propose legislation for immediate introduction. If the legislature fails to act within a year, the education department would administratively implement non-statutory recommendations. This bill directly affects Tennessee's K-12 education system by initiating a process to shift authority from federal to state control.

Maddy summaryHB 2486 allows the Tennessee Duck River Development Agency to submit its annual reports electronically instead of in paper form. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 64-1-606 to explicitly permit electronic transmission of these reports. This procedural change simplifies administrative requirements for the agency without altering report content, frequency, or substantive obligations. The update applies specifically to the Duck River Development Agency's reporting process.

Maddy summaryHB 2487 requires Tennessee municipalities forming infrastructure development districts to include a detailed breakdown of costs for each utility service (like water, sewer, or electricity) that will serve the district. This means local governing bodies must itemize all infrastructure funding costs per utility in their official establishment resolution, rather than listing them generally. The bill amends Tennessee statutes related to planning and public infrastructure to implement this transparency requirement. It directly affects municipalities creating such districts by mandating clearer cost disclosure for residents and stakeholders.

Maddy summaryHB 224 creates the "School District Capital Improvements Investment Trust Act" in Tennessee, allowing local school districts (LEAs) to establish legally protected investment trusts specifically for funding capital improvements like building construction, renovations, and facility upgrades. To create such a trust, school districts must adopt a 5-year capital improvements plan, maintain a minimum two-month operating fund balance, get third-party plan reviews, and secure approval from the state funding board. Trust assets can only be used for approved capital projects or trust administration costs, and are shielded from creditor claims, bankruptcy, and other legal actions against the school district. This bill directly affects Tennessee public school districts seeking a dedicated, protected funding mechanism for facility upgrades beyond their regular operating budgets.

Maddy summaryHB 1840 requires Tennessee school districts to annually report to the state education department the number of students in grades seven or eight who received information about career and technical education (CTE) opportunities after taking a career aptitude assessment. The report, due by July 31 each year, must cover the previous school year and track how many students were provided with CTE details following the assessment. This bill does not change existing CTE programs but adds a reporting requirement for school districts to document student outreach. The policy applies to all Tennessee local education agencies (LEAs) and aims to measure how schools connect students with CTE resources after career assessments.

Maddy summaryHB 1841 requires Tennessee school districts to provide alternative education for sixth graders suspended for more than 10 days or expelled, if space and staff are available. It amends Tennessee Code Section 49-6-3402 to expand the required grade range for alternative schools from grades 1-5 to include sixth grade, now covering grades 6-12. The bill directly affects sixth-grade students facing disciplinary action and school boards responsible for providing these alternative education options.