Rep. Chris Todd

Maddy summaryHB 2069 requires Tennessee local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) to get approval from the Attorney General and Reporter before signing contracts with private lawyers that pay based on case outcomes (contingent fees). Before approval, local governments must hold public meetings explaining why they need contingent fees (instead of hourly rates), why their own lawyers can't handle the case, and why this benefits residents. The Attorney General must review the contract within 90 days and can reject it only for specific reasons like conflicts with ongoing state cases or violations of attorney ethics rules. If approved, the contract can proceed; if not, the case may be dismissed in court.

Maddy summaryHB 2064 changes Tennessee's firearm laws by repealing criminal penalties for carrying a firearm in public parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas. It modifies restrictions for people convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence or stalking, allowing firearm possession after five years from conviction (unless rights remain restricted). The bill also removes bans on carrying firearms in public recreational spaces and updates misdemeanor penalties for carrying while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These changes directly affect individuals with certain past convictions and those who carry firearms in public recreational areas. The bill does not alter federal gun laws or create new restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee House resolution honors Mickie Whitaker for her decades of work in mental health advocacy. It recognizes her role in educating families about mental illness through the National Alliance on Mental Illness and her efforts in building support networks across the state. The measure formally commends her contributions to the community and expresses appreciation for her service.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the deadline for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to report on background check fees collected from gun dealers. Instead of reporting by February 1 each year, the TBI must now submit its report to legislative committees by February 15. The report details fees paid by gun dealers that exceed the actual costs of conducting background checks. This is a procedural adjustment affecting how the state tracks excess fees, with no changes to fee amounts or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 889 modifies Tennessee's business tax filing rules by allowing business owners to have their authorized tax representative sign requests for extensions on tax returns, instead of requiring the business owner's personal signature. This change applies directly to businesses that use tax professionals or agents to handle their filings. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 67, Section 67-4-718(b), updating the signature requirement to include "the person's authorized representative." The policy change simplifies the extension process for businesses working with tax professionals, without altering tax rates or obligations. The bill is currently pending in committee review.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors the Agricultural Crime Unit of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for its 25th anniversary. The resolution recognizes the unit's work since 2000 in investigating crimes specific to agriculture and forestry, such as livestock theft, farm equipment theft, timber theft, and animal cruelty. It acknowledges the unit's collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and its role in disaster response efforts, including assistance after Hurricane Helene. The bill does not create new laws or change policies; it serves as a commemorative statement of appreciation for the unit's service to Tennessee's farming and forestry communities.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the Tennessee Century Farms Program on its 50th anniversary by formally recognizing its contributions to preserving the state's agricultural heritage. The resolution commends the program and its leadership at Middle Tennessee State University for certifying over 2,300 farms that have remained in continuous family operation for 100 years or more. It acknowledges the program's role in strengthening rural preservation efforts and deepening appreciation for Tennessee's farming history. The resolution is a ceremonial acknowledgment and does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2588 allows Tennessee public schools and charter schools to offer approved hunter education courses to students in grades 5-12 as part of existing physical education, health, or safety classes. The bill requires these courses to be approved by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, aligning with existing hunter safety standards. It directly affects school districts, students in grades 5-12, and the wildlife agency, integrating hunter safety into standard school curricula. The legislation modifies state education codes to enable this integration without creating new requirements for schools.

Maddy summaryHJR 1041 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Tennessee House of Representatives to honor Dr. Hyran E. Barefoot on his 98th birthday. It recognizes his decades of service as Union University's 14th president (1987-1996), his dedication to education, and his contributions to the university community, including the naming of campus buildings. The resolution has no legal effect - it is a symbolic gesture expressing legislative admiration, not a policy change. It was adopted unanimously (94-0) and is now being transmitted to the Senate.

Maddy summaryHB 1300 requires Tennessee state departments and agencies to submit annual reports detailing their progress in achieving economic efficiency. These reports must now be sent to both the governor and legislative committees, rather than just committees as previously required. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 3-4-1-408(c), 4-1-408(c), 8, and 9 to implement this change. This directly affects all state agencies currently responsible for submitting efficiency reports.