Rep. Chris Todd

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee bill establishes state authority over employment regulations by preventing local governments from creating rules that go beyond or conflict with state and federal employment laws. It directly affects local governments, their agencies, and employers by prohibiting them from adopting policies that require employment terms stricter than those allowed by state or federal law. The legislation amends existing state codes to clarify that the state legislature holds exclusive power to regulate employment conditions, with limited exceptions where state law explicitly permits local action. Once enacted, local governments lose the ability to enforce ordinances that impose additional employment requirements not authorized by higher-level laws.

Maddy summaryHJR 789 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Arthur D. Johnson, Jr., for his 65 years of service as a Madison County Commissioner in Tennessee. It recognizes his lifelong dedication as a farmer, military veteran, and community leader, including roles on the county board, farm bureau, and local civic organizations. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely a formal tribute with no new laws or requirements. It was passed by both legislative chambers and transmitted to the Governor for final action.

Maddy summaryHB 2519 allows rail service authorities in Tennessee to submit their annual reports electronically instead of in paper format. The bill amends Section 7-56-209(a) of the Tennessee Code to explicitly permit electronic submissions by these authorities' boards of directors. This change streamlines reporting without altering the content, frequency, or deadlines for annual reports. It directly affects rail service authorities required to file such reports under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 2515 allows Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation to permit solid waste disposal facilities to submit groundwater sampling reports electronically instead of on paper. This bill directly affects facilities operating solid waste disposal systems that currently submit these reports manually. The key change modifies existing environmental regulations (Tennessee Code Titles 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 64, 67, and 68) to enable electronic reporting, effective July 1, 2026. The bill focuses on updating reporting procedures without altering environmental standards or requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2066 changes a reporting deadline for Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation. It moves the annual report submission date from January 31 to January 15 each year to the chairs of two legislative committees (Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources; House Agriculture and Natural Resources). The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 69, specifically adjusting the timeline for the commissioner's report. This is a procedural change with no substantive policy impact, solely affecting the timing of an existing reporting requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 2068 prohibits Tennessee local governments from adopting or enforcing zoning changes that reduce a property's value ("downzoning"), such as limiting building density, height, or use. Property owners affected by such changes can seek compensation based on an independent appraisal showing the loss in fair market value. Exceptions allow downzoning for health/safety protections (like flood zones), federal law compliance (e.g., ADA), or compatible zoning overlays that don’t reduce residential capacity. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and requires local governments to pay compensation if they fail to provide it before a property owner sues.

Maddy summaryHB 2071 (Tennessee) requires the state and all local governments to observe standard time year-round starting March 2027, ending seasonal clock changes. This amends state law (TCA § 4-1-401) to permanently adopt the federal standard time defined in 15 U.S.C. §§ 261-263. The bill directly affects all state agencies, municipalities, and political subdivisions by eliminating the need to switch clocks for daylight saving time. It takes effect immediately upon becoming law, with the first permanent standard time observation beginning March 12, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 2072 would require Tennessee election officials to arrive at polling places one hour before polls open, instead of the current 30-minute requirement. This change directly affects election officials responsible for setting up polling locations across the state. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-7-105(a), by updating the arrival time from "one-half (1/2) hour" to "one (1) hour." The legislation is currently pending in the Tennessee General Assembly.

Maddy summaryHB 897 lowers the fluoride testing threshold in public water systems from 1.5 milligrams per liter to 0.4 milligrams per liter. If fluoride levels exceed 0.4 mg/L, water systems must test monthly and notify customers. The bill requires all public water systems to stop adding fluoride by May 1, 2025, with a 30-day written notice to customers before cessation (no later than July 31, 2025). It specifically applies to artificial fluoridation, not naturally occurring fluoride, and does not affect systems meeting federal standards. The bill is pending in committee and not yet law.

Maddy summaryHB 2067 would allow Tennessee public schools and charter schools to include approved hunter education courses as part of physical education, health, or safety classes for students in grades 5 through 12. The bill requires these courses to be certified by the state wildlife resources agency, aligning with existing hunter safety standards. It directly affects schools and students in those grades by expanding optional curriculum options without mandating participation. The policy change aims to integrate safety education into existing school programs, with no additional funding or structural changes specified.