Rep. Jesse Chism

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors the memory of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., a prominent civil rights leader and public servant. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but instead serves as a commemorative tribute to recognize his contributions to civil rights, voting rights, and human dignity. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's condolences to Jackson's family and acknowledges his legacy of advocacy both domestically and internationally. Passed by both chambers and signed into law, the measure serves as an official record of respect for Jackson's life and work.

Maddy summaryHB 2589 changes the deadline for Tennessee's Department of Revenue to submit its annual report on sales taxes collected from electronic nicotine delivery devices. The bill moves the submission date from February 1 to February 15 each year, with the new deadline applying until 2030. This procedural update affects the Department of Revenue, requiring it to submit findings and recommendations to legislative leaders and committee chairs by the new date. The change does not alter tax rates or policies - only the reporting timeline.

Maddy summaryHJR 994 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Reverend Ann Jones-Pierre, Dr. Carolyn Baldwin Tucker, and Representative Johnny Shaw as recipients of the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators Living Legend Award. It recognizes their decades of public service, including Reverend Jones-Pierre's work in ministry and economic justice, Dr. Tucker's 30-year career in education, and Representative Shaw's legislative and community leadership. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's appreciation for their contributions. It directly affects the honorees by publicly acknowledging their legacy.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 161) formally recognizes Reverend Ann Jones-Pierre, Dr. Carolyn Baldwin Tucker, and Representative Johnny Shaw as recipients of the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators' Living Legend Award. It honors their decades of community service, including Reverend Jones-Pierre's work in ministry and economic justice, Dr. Tucker's 30-year career in education, and Rep. Shaw's legislative and media contributions. The resolution expresses the Tennessee House of Representatives' gratitude for their "indelible contributions" to Tennessee communities and extends congratulations. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - only symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 2584 prevents courts from delaying divorce proceedings solely because one party is pregnant. It requires either the court to determine if the other party is the parent of the unborn child or for both parties to agree on this point. If parentage is confirmed, the court must also enter an agreed parenting plan and child support order before proceeding. This directly affects individuals in Tennessee divorce cases where pregnancy is a factor, ensuring cases move forward without unnecessary delays related to pregnancy status.

Maddy summaryHB 2583 creates the "Tennessee Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund" in the state treasury, which will provide grants and loans to counties, municipalities, state agencies, and qualifying nonprofits focused on conservation. The fund finances specific projects like improving state park trails, restoring agricultural lands for wildlife habitat, enhancing public access to waterways, and protecting wetlands or critical areas for clean water and recreation. Monies must be used for conservation-related purposes as defined in the bill, with unspent funds over $20 million reverting to the general fund annually. This bill establishes the fund’s structure, spending rules, and eligibility criteria without specifying budget amounts or future outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 2582 modifies Tennessee sentencing rules for defendants receiving split sentences (part jail, part probation). It increases the mandatory continuous jail time from one to three years for such sentences and requires the state to cover all incarceration costs after the first year. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 40-35-306(a) and 40-35-314(a) to implement these changes. This directly affects individuals sentenced under split confinement terms who would previously have served less time in jail. The policy change shifts state responsibility for long-term incarceration costs beyond the initial year.

Maddy summaryHB 2586 expands Tennessee's existing reporting requirements for the Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council. It mandates that the council's 2026 and subsequent annual reports to the governor, Senate Speaker, and House Speaker must now include specific recommendations on detecting and minimizing AI-facilitated fraud. This bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections to add this new requirement to the council's reporting obligations, directly affecting the advisory council's work. The change focuses on strengthening oversight of AI risks without altering other aspects of the council's duties.

Maddy summaryHB 1371 clarifies that distributing a private, intimate image of another identifiable person with intent to cause emotional distress constitutes unlawful exposure, regardless of whether the distributor was part of the original private agreement. This bill directly affects individuals who share such images without consent, including those who obtained them through private arrangements. The key change removes the previous requirement that the distributor must have been a party to the original private understanding, making it a crime to distribute these images whenever the intent is to cause emotional distress. The law amends Tennessee Code § 39-17-318(a)(1) and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HJR 83) honors the life and legacy of William J. Chism, Sr., a Memphis businessman and community leader who founded Tennessee's largest Black-owned supermarket chain, Chism Trail. It commemorates his service in the U.S. Army, his family legacy, and his contributions as a deacon, entrepreneur, and devoted family patriarch. As a memorial resolution, it does not enact policy or affect any laws or individuals. The resolution was formally adopted by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor.