Rep. Larry Miller

Maddy summaryHB 836, titled the "Tennessee Cannabis Act," would legalize recreational cannabis use for adults aged 21 and older in Tennessee. It establishes regulations for licensing cannabis businesses, including requirements for product testing, child-resistant packaging, and restrictions on advertising near schools or parks. The bill defines key terms like "edible marijuana products" (e.g., food or drinks infused with cannabis) and sets standards for cultivation, manufacturing, and sales. It directly affects cannabis businesses, consumers, and local governments through new licensing processes and safety provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 981 decriminalizes possession of less than one ounce (28.35 grams) of marijuana or up to five marijuana plants in Tennessee, removing criminal penalties for these amounts. It allows cities and counties to impose civil fines (up to $250 total) for public possession or casual exchange of these small amounts, calculated at $25 per 0.1 ounce or $50 per plant. The bill does not cover marijuana in other forms (like oils or concentrates) and maintains criminal penalties for selling or distributing marijuana. Local governments may set these fines through ordinances or resolutions, with the law taking effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 840 would increase the monthly home office allowance for Tennessee General Assembly members from $1,250 to $2,250. The bill amends Tennessee Code to adjust this allowance amount, effective November 3, 2026. This change directly affects current and future state legislators who receive this allowance as part of their compensation. The bill does not alter other benefits or create new legislative requirements.

Maddy summaryHJR 111 is a non-binding resolution from the Tennessee General Assembly urging private corporations to maintain Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. It states that discontinuing such programs would negatively impact corporate revenue as consumers would choose companies committed to DEI. The resolution claims DEI promotes equal opportunity, economic efficiency, and societal inclusion, and it expresses the Assembly's position that corporations should uphold these principles. This resolution does not create new laws or requirements but formally states the legislature's view on DEI in the private sector.

Maddy summaryHB 814 allows Tennessee counties to ban permitless handgun carry within their borders by passing a resolution. If a county adopts such a resolution, it must post clear public notices about the restriction in visible locations. This bill directly affects residents and visitors in counties that choose to implement the ban, as they would no longer be permitted to carry handguns without a permit in those areas. The law would take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 838 proposes a five-year pilot program (2026-2030) providing eligible Tennessee households with an annual $5,000 grant. To qualify, households must have at least three family members living together, file a federal tax return listing dependents, and have a combined adjusted gross income under $30,000. The Department of Human Services would administer the program, requiring annual reapplications, with funding sourced from excise/franchise tax donations, federal grants, and state revenue reserves. The program would terminate in 2030, returning unspent funds to the state’s general fund.

Maddy summaryHB 837 would extend the validity period for temporary vehicle license plates in Tennessee from 60 to 90 days. This change directly affects vehicle owners who need temporary plates while waiting for permanent registration, such as during vehicle purchases or relocation. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-4-226(c)(4) to update the time limit, effective July 1, 2025, for all temporary plates issued on or after that date. The policy change simplifies temporary plate use without altering other registration requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 839 extends the annual deadline for Tennessee's commissioner of health to report on health care access and safety net program data from January 15 to March 1 each year. The report, prepared in consultation with the department of finance and administration and other relevant state agencies, covers metrics like access to care and program adequacy. This change applies to the specific reporting requirement under amended sections of Tennessee law (Title 68, Section 68-1-123), with no other policy changes.