Rep. Justin Lafferty

Maddy summaryHB 242 extends the existence of Tennessee's Department of Financial Institutions until June 30, 2029, by amending the state's Sunset Law provisions. It removes a reference to the department in one code section and adds a new definition clarifying the department's creation under existing law. This procedural bill directly affects the department's continued operation, ensuring it remains active beyond its previous expiration date without altering financial regulations or oversight responsibilities. The change was enacted as Public Chapter 237 on April 29, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1226 modifies Tennessee law to remove all references to the World Health Organization (WHO) in pandemic-related statutes. It requires the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), not the WHO, to declare a pandemic before the state governor can issue emergency orders. The bill mandates that the governor must declare a state of emergency after a CDC pandemic declaration, granting the governor exclusive authority to issue executive orders related to the pandemic until the pandemic ends. This change directly affects how Tennessee's state government responds to public health emergencies by shifting the trigger for emergency powers from international to federal health authorities.

Maddy summaryHB 823 lowers the population threshold for sports facilities to qualify for liquor-by-the-drink licenses in Tennessee, reducing the requirement from over 500,000 to over 350,000 residents (based on the 2020 census or later). It specifically prohibits new liquor licenses for facilities in Hamilton County after March 1, 2030. Additionally, the bill requires Hamilton County law enforcement agencies to submit annual reports to the state legislature detailing public safety issues at these venues. These changes directly affect sports authorities and facility operators in counties with populations between 350,000 and 500,000, as well as Hamilton County venues.

Maddy summaryHB 250 extends the existence of Tennessee's Information Systems Council until June 30, 2031, by amending Tennessee Code Annotated sections 4-29-246 and 4-29-252. This procedural bill directly affects the council itself, which oversees state information systems, by preventing its automatic termination. The key mechanism is modifying the sunset date in the law, removing an outdated reference and adding a new provision specifying the council's creation under Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 55. The bill became effective April 3, 2025, after receiving gubernatorial approval.

Maddy summaryHB 276 extends the authorization of Tennessee's Opioid Abatement Council until June 30, 2029, preventing its automatic termination. The bill amends two sections of Tennessee law (TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 33, Chapter 11) to update the council's sunset date and clarify its statutory reference. This change directly affects the council, which coordinates state efforts to address opioid-related issues, ensuring its continued operation for the extended period. The bill was signed into law on March 28, 2025, and took effect immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 264 extends the Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct's existence until June 30, 2031, by amending Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 4-29-246 and 4-29-252. The bill directly affects the Board of Judicial Conduct, ensuring its continued operation beyond its previous expiration date. Key provisions include deleting an outdated reference and adding a specific definition of the Board in the code, which formalizes its extended authority. This procedural bill does not change judicial conduct rules but secures the Board's structural continuity through 2031. The bill was signed by the Governor on April 3, 2025, and became effective April 4, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 275 extends the authorization of the Tennessee monuments and memorials commission until June 30, 2029. This procedural bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections 4-1-412 and Title 4, Chapter 29 to update the commission's operational timeline. The extension was approved by the Governor and became effective April 4, 2025, ensuring the commission continues its work without interruption. The bill does not alter the commission's duties or create new policies.

Maddy summaryHB 283 extends the existence of Tennessee's Transportation Modernization Board until June 30, 2029, by amending specific sections of the Tennessee Code (Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 54, Chapter 3, Part 1). This bill directly affects the Transportation Modernization Board, which oversees state transportation planning and modernization efforts. The key mechanism is a simple extension of the board's operational timeline, without altering its existing duties or powers. The bill became effective March 28, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Maddy summaryHB 256 extends the existing megasite authority for West Tennessee through June 30, 2029, by amending Tennessee Code Sections 4-29-246 and 4-29-250. This bill directly affects the West Tennessee Megasite Authority program, which supports economic development by designating large parcels of land for business expansion. The key mechanism is a simple extension of the program's expiration date, without altering its purpose or scope. The bill became effective March 26, 2025, after Governor approval.

Maddy summaryHB 227 extends the expiration date of Tennessee's Advisory Committee for Children's Special Services from its original sunset to June 30, 2029. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 4-29-246 and 4-29-250 to update the committee's operational timeline, referencing its existing creation under Section 68-12-106. This extension ensures the committee continues advising state agencies on children's special services programs without interruption. The change directly affects the committee's ongoing work and the children's services system it supports, with no new policy requirements or funding changes. The bill became law on March 26, 2025, and is effective immediately.