Rep. Justin Pearson

Maddy summaryHB 1393 requires Tennessee's governor to apply for a federal waiver within 180 days of the bill's effective date to expand TennCare coverage to low-income residents earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level. This would directly affect Tennesseans currently ineligible for Medicaid under existing income limits, potentially providing medical assistance to thousands. The bill amends state law to mandate this waiver application process, with coverage taking effect immediately upon federal approval. The legislation focuses on procedural changes to access federal Medicaid funding, not on altering current eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 7) designates September 22 as "Veterans Suicide Prevention Day" in Tennessee. It does not create new policies or funding but formally recognizes the state's commitment to addressing veteran suicide through symbolic acknowledgment. The resolution cites Tennessee's higher veteran suicide rate (184 deaths in 2022) and references existing VA suicide prevention efforts like Risk ID screening and Caring Contacts. It aims to raise awareness during National Suicide Prevention Month (September) without altering legal requirements or services. This is a commemorative resolution, not a substantive legislative change.

Maddy summaryHB 1391 automatically removes and destroys public court records for certain criminal convictions one year after sentence completion. It applies to eligible Class E felony and misdemeanor convictions under existing expunction rules, directly affecting individuals with these convictions who have completed their sentences. For cases after July 1, 2025, courts must notify clerks to initiate automatic removal without cost to the person. For pre-July 2025 convictions, individuals must request the process, but clerks cannot destroy records without a court order. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 10, 18, and 40 to implement this change.

Maddy summaryHB 1392 would remove an exception in Tennessee law that currently allows certain individuals to carry a handgun without facing charges for unlawfully carrying a firearm with intent to go armed. Specifically, it deletes the exemption for people who lawfully possess a handgun, are in a place they are lawfully present, and are either 21 years or older or 18 with qualifying military service. After the bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, these individuals would no longer be exempt and could be charged under the general unlawful carrying provision. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections 39-17-1307 and 39-17-1313 to eliminate this exception.

Maddy summaryHB 1397 requires Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation to create a public online tool on its website by January 2026. The tool will let residents search for facilities within a 5-mile radius of their address that report chemical releases to the EPA under federal law, including pending construction or expansion projects. It will also allow users to sign up for notifications about new applications near their location and must be updated within 10 business days of receiving new data. This directly affects residents seeking information about potential chemical exposure risks and businesses subject to toxic release reporting requirements.