Rep. Mary Littleton

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 666), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally honors Rachel Ahlheit of Dickson County for receiving Tennessee's Governor's Volunteer Stars Award, recognizing her volunteer work including teaching in Botswana and South Africa, supporting local 4-H programs, and assisting with STEM education in Tennessee. The resolution has no binding effect or policy impact - it simply expresses the General Assembly's appreciation for her community service. It was signed by the Governor on May 2, 2025, completing its ceremonial purpose.

Maddy summaryHJR 665 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Norma Binkley of Cheatham County for receiving Tennessee's Governor's Volunteer Stars Award. It formally recognizes her community service, including coordinating events at a historic building to combat loneliness and foster connections, which aligns with Tennessee's "Volunteer State" ethos. The resolution, passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on May 2, 2025, has no policy impact - it simply extends formal commendation without altering laws or affecting any group. This is a symbolic gesture acknowledging individual volunteerism, not a substantive legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HJR 664) formally honors Savannah Williams of Cheatham County for receiving Tennessee's Governor's Volunteer Stars Award, recognizing her extensive community service. It specifically acknowledges her volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, Girl Scouts, Christmas Anonymous, and other local efforts including trail cleanups, senior care, and animal shelter support. The resolution was passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on May 2, 2025, as a ceremonial tribute with no policy or legal effect. It does not create new laws or impact any regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 762 establishes rules for using certified facility dogs to support witnesses, especially victims, during court testimony to reduce stress and improve testimony accuracy. The bill sets specific standards for dogs (including training, health checks, and $500,000 liability insurance) and handlers (requiring legal procedure training), and requires courts to approve their use via a motion before proceedings. During testimony, dogs must wear visible identification, handlers must stay visible to the witness (outside jury view), and courts must inform juries that the dog’s presence doesn’t affect the case. Courts must also take steps to minimize jury visibility of the dog during testimony.

Maddy summaryHB 763 clarifies that Tennessee cities, counties, and other local governments can purchase certain insurance through approved plans without needing public bidding, removing a prior requirement under state law. The bill amends Tennessee Code to replace restrictive language about "governmental entities representing cities and counties" with broader authorization for all such entities. This change directly affects all local governments buying insurance via state-approved plans, streamlining their procurement process. The law, enacted as Chapter 260 in 2025, removes administrative barriers but does not alter insurance coverage or costs.

Maddy summaryHB 1349 requires county medical examiners to test decedents involved in mass shootings resulting in four or more deaths for psychotropic drugs (medications treating mental health conditions or affecting mood/behavior). It mandates that examiners share anonymized drug data - without identifying information - to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and the Department of Health. The Health Science Center must study drug interactions and submit quarterly reports to legislative committees on this data. This bill directly affects medical examiners, health agencies, and the research conducted on drug-related incidents in Tennessee.

Maddy summaryHB 769 makes it a crime to knowingly possess, distribute, or produce technology, software, or digital tools designed to create material featuring minors in sexual activity or extremely inappropriate simulated sexual activity. It directly affects individuals who use such tools, with penalties ranging from a Class E felony (possession) to a Class B felony (production). The law specifies that courts must consider factors like the defendant’s statements, existing material in their possession, advertising, and expert testimony to determine intent. This bill creates new criminal penalties for tools specifically intended to generate such material, not for general technology use.

Maddy summaryHB 501 creates the Tennessee Juvenile Justice Review Commission to examine juvenile justice cases and critical incidents involving youth in state custody. The commission will review specific cases (like repeat offenses or those with systemic issues such as extended detention or out-of-state placements) and incidents (like escapes, self-harm, or staff abuse allegations) to identify patterns and make legislative recommendations. It must report its findings annually to the Tennessee General Assembly starting in 2028. The commission includes members from child services, education, mental health, courts, public defense, law enforcement, and child development fields. This bill directly affects how Tennessee reviews and improves its juvenile justice system, focusing on policy changes based on case data rather than individual outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes and commends the St. John Cultural Arts Center at the Promise Land Historic Site in Tennessee. It specifically honors the Promise Land Heritage Association (PLHA) for restoring the historic St. John Methodist Church building (originally constructed in the 1880s) and establishing the center as a cultural hub for educational programs, art exhibitions, and community events. The resolution highlights the site's historical significance as part of a community settled by formerly enslaved persons and Union Army veterans, and its connection to John Lewis and The Promise Land Singers. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funds, but serves to acknowledge the center's role in preserving local heritage.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (HJR 582) is a ceremonial honor recognizing Troop B, 1st Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee Army National Guard, for winning first place in the U.S. Army's 2024 Sullivan Cup Competition. The resolution specifically commends the four soldiers - Staff Sergeant David Riddick, Sergeant Joshua Owen, Specialist Noah Eddings, and Specialist Seth Carter - who led the team to victory against active-duty Army units and international teams. As a procedural resolution, it has no policy impact but formally honors their achievement and the unit’s representation of Tennessee.