Rep. Rusty Grills

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the office of County Road Superintendent in Obion County and clarifies that the position is appointed by the county commission. The appointed superintendent would serve as the chief administrative officer responsible for building, maintaining, and managing county roads and bridges. Key provisions include giving the superintendent authority to manage department purchases, propose budgets, and issue expenditure warrants with a second signature from the County Mayor, while also allowing the county legislative body to establish an advisory committee for recommendations. The bill requires a two-thirds vote by the Obion County legislative body to take effect, ensuring local approval before implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 2251 creates a pilot program for criminal magistrates in Tennessee's 10 counties with the highest criminal court caseloads, as identified by the comptroller's annual study. Counties must pass an ordinance to establish the position, after which local judges appoint magistrates to handle specific duties like arraignments, initial hearings, bond setting, plea acceptances for minor offenses, and warrant issuance. Magistrates serve four-year terms at the judges' pleasure and are compensated from county funds, with removal possible by majority vote of the judges. This bill directly affects criminal court operations in those 10 counties by adding a new role to manage caseloads, without altering the structure of county courts.

Maddy summaryHB 1985 removes the requirement for alarm contractors to hold a license when selling, installing, or monitoring still cameras and televisions. This change directly affects alarm contractors who previously needed special licensing for these devices. The bill amends Tennessee Code Section 62-32-304(j) to exclude still cameras and televisions from the list of equipment subject to licensing under the Alarm Contractors Licensing Act. The policy change simplifies licensing requirements for contractors working with common consumer electronics.

Maddy summaryHB 1980 amends Tennessee's bail law to allow courts to temporarily revoke a defendant's bond and hold them without bail for up to 10 days if they violate release conditions, commit a new crime while out, or obstruct court proceedings. This temporary hold requires a written court order and a hearing within the 10-day period. If violations are confirmed at the hearing, the court may permanently revoke bail, requiring the defendant to remain in custody until trial. The bill directly affects defendants released on bail who breach their conditions, changing existing procedures for managing such cases.

Maddy summaryHB 1986 requires the Tennessee Department of Correction to notify the police chief of the city (and the county law enforcement chief) whenever an inmate is granted a furlough. This directly affects the Department of Correction, which must send these notifications, and local police departments in the inmate's residence area. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 41-21-227(e), to add this notification requirement as a standard part of the furlough process. It does not change the conditions for granting furloughs, only the communication protocol with local law enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 1982 lowers the minimum age to become a licensed bid caller auctioneer in Tennessee from 18 to 16 years old. This change directly affects 16- to 17-year-olds seeking to work in auctioneering by allowing them to apply for a license earlier. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 62, Chapter 19, specifically updating Section 62-19-111(a)(1)(A) to replace "eighteen (18)" with "sixteen (16)". The law would take effect upon becoming law, with no specified implementation details beyond the age adjustment.

Maddy summaryHB 803 amends Tennessee law to extend the appeal period for water and wastewater operator certification disputes. It increases the deadline for appealing a revocation or penalty from 60 to 65 days when challenging decisions made by the board of certification or the commissioner of environment and conservation. This change directly affects water and wastewater operators who face certification actions or civil penalties. The bill modifies specific sections of Tennessee Code related to utilities and environmental conservation to implement this time extension.

Maddy summaryHB 2252 (Tennessee) requires applicants for livestock market licenses to include their email address on the application form to the Department of Agriculture. This procedural bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 43-11-102(a)(1), 44-11-102, and 53-11-102 to add email address as a mandatory field for livestock market operators. The bill directly affects individuals or businesses seeking to operate livestock markets in Tennessee by changing the required information in their licensing application. It does not alter business operations or regulations, only the administrative details submitted during licensing.

Maddy summaryHJR 1341 is a House Joint Resolution that honors the Dyersburg High School Lady Trojans basketball team for winning the 2026 TSSAA Division I, Class AAA state championship. The resolution formally commends the players, coaches, and support staff for their achievements and sets the stage for presenting a copy of the resolution to the team. This is a commemorative measure with no new laws or funding, serving only to recognize the team's success.

Maddy summaryHB 1981 designates Lake County as the "Eagle Capital of Tennessee" to recognize its status as a major habitat for eagles, including over ninety nests and thousands of migrating birds, and its annual Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival that drives tourism. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated to formally establish this designation in state law, without creating new regulations, funding, or obligations. This symbolic honor highlights Lake County's ecological significance and economic benefits from eagle-related tourism.