Rep. Chris Todd

Maddy summaryHB 884 amends Tennessee law to expand the definition of "adult-oriented establishment" to include any commercial venue offering sexually oriented material, adult cabaret entertainment, or specified sexual activities - even if these are not the primary business focus. This change directly affects businesses like restaurants that sell adult magazines or host occasional adult entertainment, as they would now fall under the same regulations as dedicated adult venues. The key mechanism removes the requirement that such material must be the "principal or predominant stock or trade," broadening the scope of regulated establishments. The bill takes effect May 1, 2025, and does not introduce new restrictions but redefines which businesses are subject to existing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 883 changes Tennessee law to extend the timeframe for handgun permit holders to seek court review after their permit is suspended or revoked. Specifically, it increases the window from 30 to 45 days to petition a chancery court regarding the Tennessee Department of Safety's decision. This directly affects individuals whose carry permits have been suspended or revoked under state law. The amendment applies to Tennessee Code Annotated Title 39, Section 39-17-1354(a), and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 894 amends Tennessee law to change the term limits for members of the Ground Water Management Board. It increases the maximum number of consecutive full terms a member may serve from two to three. This change directly affects current and future board members by allowing them to serve longer without interruption. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and modifies Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 69-10-107(a)(2) and related provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 888 prohibits political campaign committees formed to support or oppose a ballot measure from accepting contributions or expenditures from foreign nationals. It requires these committees and individuals making independent expenditures on such measures to disclose funding sources to Tennessee’s election finance registry within 48 hours. The law defines "foreign national" broadly to include foreign governments, entities, and individuals not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. It also mandates committees to certify no foreign funding supported preliminary activities like polling or drafting ballot language. The law became effective May 21, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summaryHB 322 creates a new criminal offense of "human smuggling" under Tennessee law, directly affecting individuals who transport people across borders for financial gain while concealing them from authorities. The bill defines human smuggling as transporting 10+ adults or 5+ minors (knowing they entered the U.S. illegally) to avoid detection by law enforcement, or encouraging such entry. It classifies this as a Class E felony, punishable by up to 6 years in prison, and adds misdemeanor penalties for harboring individuals who entered the U.S. illegally. The law also grants the state attorney general authority to seek court orders dissolving organizations involved in trafficking or smuggling.

Maddy summaryHB 885 expands Tennessee's open meeting law to require certain nonprofits receiving public funds to publish meeting agendas online. It applies to nonprofits receiving federal funding, state community grants, local government grants, or those providing utility services to Nashville/Davidson County. The bill changes existing law from permitting online posting to mandating it for nonprofits with websites. This ensures these organizations follow the same transparency rules as government bodies.

Maddy summaryHJR 670 is a ceremonial resolution by the Tennessee General Assembly honoring Bobbie Patray for her 50 years of service with the Eagle Forum, including 38 years as president of the Tennessee chapter. It recognizes her leadership in civic education, mentorship of youth through Teen Eagles programs, and advocacy for conservative policy values across Tennessee. As a symbolic tribute, the resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, but formally celebrates her contributions to public discourse and community engagement. The resolution was unanimously passed and signed by the Governor on May 2, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 896, the "Sound Science in Regulations Act," prohibits Tennessee environmental agencies from creating new rules on drinking water, air quality, hazardous substances, or waste handling unless they meet strict scientific standards. It requires agencies to base regulations on "best available science" that is reliable, unbiased, and published in peer-reviewed journals with independent verification. The law applies only to new rules stricter than federal standards, effective July 1, 2025, and excludes existing rules or those required by federal law. This directly affects agencies like the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation when developing new environmental regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Tennessee Century Farms Act, creates a recognition program for family farms in Tennessee that have operated continuously for over 100 years. To qualify, a farm must have at least 10 acres of original land, generate at least $1,000 in annual revenue, and remain in the founder's family for the full century while being owned by a Tennessee resident. The Department of Agriculture will administer the program using existing resources and designate a historic preservation center to maintain records and educate the public about these farms. Qualified century farms will receive free commemorative signs to acknowledge their historical significance, with additional signs available for farms that continue operating for another 50 years.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 212), not a law with policy changes. It commemorates the 75th anniversary of the federal Sport Fish Restoration Program (established by the 1950 Sport Fish Restoration Act), which funds fishing conservation through excise taxes on fishing gear and boat fuels. The resolution honors anglers, the sportfishing industry, state wildlife agencies, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their role in the "American System of Conservation Funding." It directs certified copies to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee's congressional delegation, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.