Rep. Rusty Grills

Maddy summaryHB 799 requires the Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission to create and issue specialized waterfowl guide licenses for individuals working as guides at Reelfoot Lake in Lake and Obion Counties. The bill mandates that guides must demonstrate knowledge of Reelfoot Lake's unique hazards and environment through commission rules. These rules must be developed under the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. The law directly affects licensed guides operating in Reelfoot Lake, which is a major destination for waterfowl hunting in the Mississippi Flyway.

Maddy summaryHB 804 prohibits labeling cell-cultured food products (like lab-grown meat) as "meat" or "meat food products" in Tennessee. This law directly affects food producers and retailers of cell-cultured products by requiring alternative labeling terms. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee's food regulations (TCA Titles 4, 39, 40, 43, 44, 47, and 53) to establish this labeling standard. It became effective on May 15, 2025, after being enacted as Public Chapter 450.

Maddy summaryHB 811 changes Tennessee law to allow lawsuits against charitable housing organizations if they provide shelter to someone they know is undocumented and the organization was negligent in providing housing, leading to harm from a crime committed by that person. It applies only when the organization knew about the person's undocumented status and failed to meet basic safety standards. This creates civil liability for negligence, not criminal penalties, and affects nonprofits offering housing services in Tennessee. The law does not alter immigration status or criminal law but modifies tort liability rules for specific negligent conduct.

Maddy summaryHJR 699 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Malissa Flagg, a health science teacher at Dyer County High School, for being named the 2024-2025 Dyer County High School Teacher of the Year. The resolution recognizes her nine years of teaching, her leadership in growing the HOSA club from six to over 130 students, and her contributions to student success in health science education. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is purely a symbolic gesture of legislative recognition. The resolution was passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on May 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 700 is a ceremonial joint resolution honoring Hailey Johnson, the 2024-2025 Dyer County Schools Teacher of the Year. It formally recognizes her 11 years of teaching fifth-grade math and science at Fifth Consolidated Elementary School, her educational background (University of Tennessee at Martin and Union University doctorate), and her dedication to students. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely expresses legislative commendation through a non-binding statement of honor. It was signed by the Governor on May 7, 2025, following passage by both chambers.

Maddy summaryThis House Joint Resolution (HJR 701) formally honors Jody Prater, the 2024-2025 Dyer County Schools Teacher of the Year, for her work as a special education teacher at Holice Powell Elementary School. It recognizes her 13 years of service with Dyer County Schools (five as a teacher, eight as an educational assistant), her advanced degrees in education, and her contributions to students and staff. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy impact - it simply expresses the Tennessee General Assembly’s commendation of her professional achievements. The resolution was signed by the Governor on May 7, 2025, following passage by both legislative chambers.

Maddy summaryHJR 655 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the Tennessee District Council of the Assemblies of God for its 100th anniversary. It expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's appreciation for the council's community service and spiritual leadership over the past century, without creating any new legal requirements or policy changes. The resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment of the council's role in supporting congregations and fostering positive community impact across Tennessee.

Maddy summaryHJR 620 is a resolution honoring Dan Rodamaker for his service as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. It recognizes his leadership at Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, including expanding broadband access to rural communities through the Gibson Connect initiative and implementing cost-saving measures that benefit members. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally commends his contributions to the electric utility industry.

Maddy summaryHJR 619 is a joint resolution recognizing The I AM Fitness Training and its founder, Bradley Vaughn, for their community work in Dyersburg. It formally commends their faith-based fitness ministry, which offers inclusive programs like boxing, strength training, and youth classes to promote physical and spiritual wellness. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment signed by the Governor on April 29, 2025. It directly honors Vaughn and his organization for their contributions to local health and community support.

Maddy summaryHJR 622 is a ceremonial resolution designating April 2025 as "Child Abuse Awareness Month" in Tennessee. It recognizes the work of the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse and encourages community awareness about child abuse prevention. The resolution contains no new policies, funding, or requirements - it is purely symbolic, commemorating the month through formal recognition. It was signed into law by the Governor on April 29, 2025.