Maddy summaryHB 402 would allow property owners in Tennessee counties that choose to adopt the program to apply for a property tax exemption on portions of their land covered by tree canopy. The exemption applies only to the canopy-covered area (measured via study, aerial imagery, or field survey), not the entire property, and requires county approval to implement. County agencies would determine eligibility, process applications, and set exemption values, with the exemption lasting up to seven years. This bill does not change current tax rates but offers a limited, targeted reduction for properties meeting specific tree canopy criteria.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHJR 867 is a memorial resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor the late Loretta Kuhn Cate, a former public servant, pharmacist, and community leader from Maryville. The resolution expresses the Assembly's condolences to her family and commemorates her life of dedication to public service, family values, and community involvement. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes her legacy through a public expression of respect. The resolution was signed by the Governor on February 18, 2026, and is now an official tribute.
Maddy summaryHJR 721 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Master Sergeant Rachel J. Wilson upon her retirement from the U.S. Air Force. It recognizes her 20+ years of military service, including roles as a Cyber Systems Operations Craftsman with the Tennessee Air National Guard and deployments during operations in Iraq. The resolution formally commends her for distinguished service, specific career achievements, and numerous awards like the Air Force Commendation Medal. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect or direct impact on any policies or individuals beyond this expression of gratitude.
Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 720 is a memorial resolution honoring Eugene John Burke, a Seymour, Tennessee resident and former automotive industry educator who passed away. It recognizes his 30+ years of career work, service in Masonic lodges, devotion to family, and legacy of integrity, while expressing condolences to his wife, daughters, and extended family. The resolution, passed unanimously by the Tennessee General Assembly in January 2026, serves purely as a commemorative tribute with no policy impact or direct effect on any group.
Maddy summaryHB 2105 amends Tennessee law to extend the deadline for county legislative bodies to convene after a county mayor requests a meeting due to public necessity, increasing the timeframe from 48 to 72 hours. This change directly affects county legislative bodies and mayors across Tennessee who must coordinate emergency or urgent county business. The bill modifies specific sections of Tennessee Code Annotated (Titles 5 and 6) to update this procedural requirement. As a procedural amendment, it focuses solely on adjusting the timeline without altering substantive county governance policies.
Maddy summaryHB 1490 would have made the addresses on nominating petitions for judges, chancellors, district attorney generals, and public defenders confidential in Tennessee. The bill aimed to prevent these addresses from being publicly accessible under existing law. It sought to amend Tennessee Code Sections 2-5-102 and 10-7-503 to establish this confidentiality requirement. The bill was introduced on January 8, 2026, but was withdrawn on January 15, 2026, before becoming law.
Maddy summaryHB 935 requires counties that have adopted Tennessee's 1957 County Purchasing Law to use competitive bidding for insurance brokerage services. It directly affects those counties by mandating a public bidding process for selecting insurance brokers, aligning with their existing purchasing rules. The bill amends Tennessee Code to explicitly allow county legislative bodies to enforce this requirement, overriding conflicting provisions. This change ensures counties follow standardized procurement practices when purchasing insurance brokerage services.
Maddy summaryHB 342, the "Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment (SAVE) Act," regulates paid advisors who assist veterans with benefit claims. It prohibits charging upfront or nonrefundable fees, guaranteeing specific outcomes, or receiving compensation for referrals, and requires written agreements that tie payment solely to actual benefit increases (capped at five times the monthly increase). The law mandates clear disclosures to clients about free services available through government agencies and sets data privacy rules, including background checks for staff handling veterans' sensitive information. Violations are treated as consumer protection law violations, with penalties paid to the state general fund, though VA-accredited representatives remain exempt.
Maddy summaryHB 344 defines "working day" for Tennessee state and local government employees who are reservists called to active military duty. It specifies that a "working day" means the number of hours an employee is scheduled to work in a 24-hour period. This change clarifies how military leave and compensation are calculated under existing law (TCA Title 8, Chapter 33). The bill directly affects employees in state or local government who serve in reserve components of the U.S. armed forces.
Maddy summaryHB 57 requires Tennessee municipalities to submit annual financial audits to the state comptroller within six months after their fiscal year ends. Municipalities with two or more overdue audits face reduced sales tax revenue (capped at 15% of annual funds), with penalties held in reserve until compliance is verified. The comptroller may waive penalties under established procedures. This directly affects cities and towns managing public funds, ensuring timely audit submissions to state oversight.