Rep. Justin Pearson

Maddy summaryHB 2456 requires data centers in Tennessee with over 20 megawatts of power capacity to register with the Department of Revenue starting January 1, 2027. Electric utilities, water utilities, and fuel suppliers providing service to these registered data centers must report usage and rates monthly to the Department. The Department will compile and publish this data on its website to track energy and water consumption at large data centers. Non-compliance may result in daily civil penalties up to $25,000. This bill directly affects data center operators and their utility providers, with implementation beginning July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2463, the "Bring Your Own Generation Act," targets large data centers in Tennessee with a peak demand of 100 megawatts or more. It requires these facilities to source 50% of their electricity from new onsite carbon-free energy (like solar or wind) and imposes a 100% surcharge on them to fund clean energy grid upgrades. The surcharge revenue funds the Tennessee Environmental Protection Fund, while prohibiting fossil fuel power contracts from qualifying for state economic incentives. This bill directly affects major data center operators and aims to accelerate clean energy integration without shifting costs to residential customers.

Maddy summaryHB 1390 would allow Tennessee courts to issue extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed to pose a significant danger of causing personal injury to themselves or others. Petitions for ERPOs can be filed by law enforcement officers or close relatives, requiring clear and convincing evidence of danger before a court acts. The bill also mandates that firearms be stored locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition (except when carried by the owner), and requires gun dealers to delay firearm deliveries for 15 business days to complete background checks. These provisions directly affect firearm owners, law enforcement, gun dealers, and individuals subject to ERPO petitions.

Maddy summaryHB 2455 requires employers receiving Tennessee's economic development incentives (like FastTrack grants or capital grants) to certify they pay workers on those projects at least $21.99 per hour starting July 1, 2026. The wage rate will automatically adjust each year based on the MIT living wage calculator for a two-adult, two-child household in the project's county. Employers failing to meet this requirement must repay all incentives received, and the state will verify compliance through payroll reviews. This applies specifically to businesses seeking state economic development incentives to attract or retain operations in Tennessee.

Maddy summaryHB 2464 prohibits Tennessee electric utilities and high-performance computing (HPC) facilities from using transformers, parts, or equipment manufactured or sold by entities owned or controlled by "foreign adversaries" (as defined by federal regulations). The bill requires these entities to annually report equipment sources to the state comptroller, conduct internal compliance audits, and submit findings by March 1 each year. The comptroller must post all reports and audit results publicly by October 1. Violations trigger 30-day compliance notices, potential license suspension by local governments, and civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation.

Maddy summaryHB 2461 exempts feminine hygiene products (like tampons and sanitary napkins) from Tennessee's sales and use tax, effective July 2026. It also requires the state education department to provide these products for free in public schools upon request by school administrators or boards. The bill defines "feminine hygiene products" as items used during menstruation and clarifies they include common products like tampons and pads. This policy directly affects students in public schools and consumers purchasing these items.

Maddy summaryHB 1400 directs Tennessee's Department of Mental Health to create and implement a suicide prevention program. The program must include community-based prevention efforts, support for individuals who have attempted suicide, research on suicide rates across diverse groups, strategies to reduce access to dangerous methods, and postvention support for affected families. The department must submit an annual report to health committees detailing the program's progress and research findings. This bill directly affects the Department of Mental Health and aims to improve statewide suicide prevention services through structured community partnerships and data-driven approaches.

Maddy summaryHB 1398 increases paid bereavement leave for Tennessee state employees whose children or stepchildren die, changing the allowance from three days to three months. This applies specifically to officers and employees of state agencies, boards, and departments, as amended under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 8, Chapter 50. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not alter existing three-day leave provisions for other family deaths (e.g., spouse, parents). The change directly affects eligible state employees by providing extended paid time off during a significant personal loss.

Maddy summaryHB 1399 would increase Tennessee's minimum hourly wage from $7.25 to $20 for most covered employees, effective July 1, 2025. The bill requires employers to pay at least $20 per hour (exceeding the federal minimum wage), provide overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours over 40 per week, and post wage rules visibly in workplaces. Employees could sue employers for unpaid wages with triple damages, court costs, and attorney fees, with claims due within two years (or three years for willful violations). The law applies broadly to most workers but excludes those already exempt under federal law.

Maddy summaryHB 1396, the "Guaranteed Basic Income Act," would create a state-funded program providing eligible Tennessee residents with an annual $3,000 grant starting in 2026. It directly affects adults aged 18+ who are full-time Tennessee residents with a valid state ID and have lived in the state for the past year. The program requires annual reapplications, pays grants monthly or semi-monthly, and is funded through a dedicated account in the state general fund, which may include tax allocations. The bill establishes application guidelines and administrative rules for the Department of Human Services to manage the program.