Rep. Justin Lafferty

Maddy summaryHB 1618 extends the term of the Tennessee State University Board of Trustees until June 30, 2029. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 4-29-247 and 4-29-250 to update the board's legal term and remove an outdated reference. This change directly affects the governance structure of Tennessee State University by ensuring continuity for its board members. The bill does not alter university operations, funding, or academic policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1625 extends the expiration date for the Tennessee Department of Education to June 30, 2030, by amending state law to remove an outdated reference and clarify the department's legal foundation. This procedural bill ensures the department continues operating without requiring new legislation until the extended date, directly affecting the Department of Education's ongoing administrative structure.

Maddy summaryHB 1582 extends Tennessee's Interstate Compact for Juveniles, a cooperative agreement with other states for handling juvenile offenders crossing state lines, until June 30, 2034. This bill amends Tennessee law to change the expiration date from its current date to the new deadline, ensuring the compact remains active without needing renewal. The extension directly affects Tennessee's juvenile justice system, courts, and agencies that coordinate with other states on juvenile cases. It is a procedural change that maintains existing operations without altering the compact's substance or requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1623 sets specific operational start dates for three government entities created during Tennessee's 2025 legislative session: the Advisory Committee on Open Government, the Board of Professional Bondsmen, and the Conservatorship Management Task Force. The bill amends Tennessee Code to require these entities to begin functioning on predetermined dates rather than immediately after their creation. This change ensures their activities align with legislative timelines established for the 2025 session. The law takes effect upon becoming law.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee House Resolution honors Makayla Paris for her work as a legislative intern for Representative Justin Lafferty during the 2026 session. The document praises her performance and background, noting her studies in public affairs and her upcoming role as a policy strategist with Big Brothers Big Sisters. The resolution formally commends her service and directs that a copy be prepared for presentation to her.

Maddy summaryHB 1563 extends the Board of Optometry's existence until June 30, 2031, preventing its automatic expiration under Tennessee's Sunset Law. This bill directly affects the Board of Optometry, which oversees optometry licensing and practice regulations in Tennessee. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections 4-29-247(a) and 4-29-252(a) to remove an outdated reference and clarify the board's legal foundation. These changes ensure the board can continue operating without needing new legislation before 2031. The bill does not alter optometry practice rules or licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1571 extends the operational period of Tennessee's Department of Agriculture until June 30, 2030, preventing its automatic termination under sunset laws. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee Code (Title 4, Chapters 29; 3, Parts 1 and 2) to update the department's statutory expiration date. This change directly affects the Department of Agriculture by ensuring its continued operation without needing reauthorization before 2030. The bill makes a procedural adjustment to existing law rather than creating new policies or affecting other entities.

Maddy summaryHB 1559 extends the existence of Tennessee's Board of Dentistry until June 30, 2031, preventing its automatic termination under sunset laws. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 4-29-247(a) and 4-29-252(a) by removing a reference to "subdivision (5)" and adding a new reference to the Board of Dentistry. This technical correction ensures the regulatory body continues overseeing dental licensing and professional standards without disruption. The bill directly affects dental professionals and the state's dental licensing system by maintaining the board's operational authority. It does not change dental practice rules or fees, only the board's statutory timeline.

Maddy summaryHB 1611 extends the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission's existence until June 30, 2030, by amending two sections of Tennessee law (Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 70, Chapter 1, Part 2). The bill removes an outdated reference (subdivision (60)) from one code section and adds a new reference to the commission's creation in another. This procedural change directly affects the commission, which manages state wildlife programs, by ensuring its continued operation without needing reauthorization before 2030. The bill does not alter the commission's duties or funding, only its legal duration.

Maddy summaryHB 1558 extends the existence of Tennessee's Board of Communications Disorders and Sciences until June 30, 2031, by amending relevant state codes. This procedural bill directly affects the board itself and professionals regulated under its oversight, such as speech-language pathologists and audiologists. The key provision modifies the board's sunset date in Tennessee law, ensuring it continues operating without needing reauthorization before 2031. The bill makes no substantive policy changes but maintains the board's current regulatory structure. It is a routine extension of an existing administrative body.