Rep. Kirk Haston

Maddy summaryHB 1003 prevents Tennessee's state board of education from requiring fully online, self-paced private schools (approved as Category III nonpublic schools) to follow specific public school rules. It directly affects these online schools by removing mandates for class size limits, public school calendar requirements, student vaccination rules, and annual standardized math/English tests for grades 3-11. The bill allows such schools to operate without these requirements as long as they maintain regional accreditation through designated Category III agencies. This policy change applies starting the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 535 requires certain public officials taking office on or after July 1, 2025 - including members of the Tennessee General Assembly - to join the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) as a condition of office. It also allows retirees to update their retirement beneficiary to a new spouse after a divorce cancels a former spouse beneficiary. The bill amends multiple chapters of Tennessee retirement law to implement these changes, replacing previous optional participation rules for these officials. These provisions directly affect state legislators and other covered public officials starting in 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1002 requires Tennessee local school districts and public charter schools offering pre-K programs to allow pre-K teachers to use results from an approved universal reading screener as an alternative method to calculate their individual student growth scores under teacher evaluation guidelines. This applies specifically to pre-K teachers, replacing traditional growth models with screener data for evaluations. The bill prohibits using the pre-K/kindergarten portfolio growth model for this purpose and amends education code to clarify the approved screening process. It takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond.

Maddy summaryHB 1415 would establish a new annual $65.35 motor vehicle privilege tax for vehicles owned by Chester County residents, excluding auto dealers' vehicles and farm tractors. The tax must be paid to operate a vehicle in Chester County, with collection handled by the County Clerk and proof required via a decal on license plates. The bill requires two-thirds approval from Chester County’s legislative body to take effect, as specified in Section 2. It became law after Governor's signature on May 2, 2025, and applies only to Chester County residents. This is a local tax measure, not a statewide policy.

Maddy summaryHB 843 declares Perry County Community Hospital in Linden and Decatur County General Hospital in Parsons as "necessary providers" of healthcare services for federal critical access hospital (CAH) designation eligibility under Section 1820 of the Social Security Act. This enables both hospitals to qualify for federal CAH status, which provides crucial financial support and resources to sustain operations in rural areas. The bill directly affects these two specific hospitals, ensuring they can access federal benefits to continue serving vulnerable rural communities in Perry and Decatur counties. It requires the Tennessee Department of Health and Health Facilities Commission to facilitate the federal designation process.

Maddy summaryHB 138 establishes a $5 million annual special fund to provide grants to Tennessee local school districts and public charter schools. The fund supports acquiring or expanding digital career and technical education programs that include multimedia lessons, interactive activities, and assessments. Schools must apply through the state education department, which will prioritize applications based on demonstrated need, student impact, and alignment with workforce goals. Unspent funds carry forward annually rather than reverting to the general budget, and the bill requires separate annual appropriations for funding.

Maddy summaryHJR 484 is a ceremonial resolution commending Cooper Townley, the 2025 salutatorian of Hardin County High School, for his academic achievements and extracurricular leadership. It formally recognizes his high GPA, roles in National Honor Society and student council, athletic accomplishments, community service, and work as a youth sports official. The resolution, passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on April 9, 2025, has no policy or funding impact - it solely serves as a symbolic honor. This procedural resolution directly affects only Cooper Townley and his school community through formal recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 485) honoring Aubrey Garton as the 2025 valedictorian of Hardin County High School. It formally recognizes her academic achievements, extracurricular leadership roles (including co-president of National Honor Society), and community service through a symbolic commendation by the Tennessee General Assembly. The resolution was passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor on April 9, 2025, making it effective. It directly affects Aubrey Garton as the recipient of this formal recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 91 would replace Tennessee's current end-of-course exams for high school students (grades 9-12) with annual ACT, SAT, or other approved college readiness assessments. The bill requires the state education department to formally request this change to the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan by January 2026. If enacted, student performance on these new assessments would directly impact school and district accountability ratings. This change would affect all high school students, schools, and districts in Tennessee, shifting how academic performance is measured for accountability purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 1348 requires Tennessee's higher education commission to review and update the state's funding formula for public colleges and universities at least every five years. This aims to incentivize institutions offering programs that lead to jobs in high-demand fields within Tennessee. The bill directly affects public colleges and universities by tying state funding incentives to measurable job placement outcomes in key local industries, rather than solely academic metrics. It amends Tennessee Code sections related to higher education funding and program requirements.