Rep. Justin Lafferty

Maddy summaryHB 280 extends the charter of the Tennessee Technology Development Corporation (TTDC) until June 30, 2027, preventing its automatic expiration under sunset provisions. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 14, Part 2 and Title 4, Chapter 29, to update the corporation's legal status and remove outdated references. This change directly affects the TTDC's ongoing operations, governance, and ability to support technology development initiatives across Tennessee. The legislation maintains the agency's existing structure and purpose without altering its core functions or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 285 extends the effective period of certain state agency rules. It applies to permanent rules filed with the secretary of state on or after January 1, 2024, that were originally set to expire on June 30, 2025. These rules will now remain in effect until amended or repealed by the agency, or replaced by new legislation. The bill does not affect rules conflicting with other laws, and it specifically modifies the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act (TCA Title 4, Chapter 5). This procedural change ensures continuity for existing rules without requiring immediate renewal.

Maddy summaryHB 288 removes outdated references to a defunct committee (the joint select committee on veterans services) from Tennessee law, specifically in two sections of the code. It also updates the list of governmental entities under the Tennessee Governmental Entity Review Law, revises retirement bonus provisions for public service commission employees, and removes an expired report. The bill makes minor administrative corrections to existing statutes without creating new policies or affecting public programs. This procedural update ensures Tennessee law reflects current governmental structures and eliminates obsolete language.

Maddy summaryHB 1229 modifies Tennessee's asset forfeiture laws by removing the requirement for claimants to post a bond when filing claims for seized property. This change directly affects individuals or businesses seeking to recover property seized by law enforcement under forfeiture proceedings. The bill deletes language requiring a "cost bond or" in Tennessee Code Annotated §40-33-205(a) and removes subsection (b) from §40-33-206, streamlining the claim process. The law will take effect July 1, 2025, applying to all seizures occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 254 extends Tennessee's local government planning advisory committee, which advises counties and municipalities on land use and planning, until June 30, 2026. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections to formally renew the committee's existence under its existing structure (created by § 4-3-727), replacing an expired provision. This extension directly affects local governments that rely on the committee's guidance for community planning and development decisions. The bill was enacted into law on April 29, 2025, as Chapter 239 of the Public Acts.

Maddy summaryHB 243 extends the legal existence of Tennessee's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services until June 30, 2029, preventing its automatic termination. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections 4-29-246 and 4-29-250 to remove the department's previous sunset date and formally define it within state law. This affects the department's ongoing operations and the Tennessee residents who rely on its services. The law became effective April 29, 2025, after passing through the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 241 extends the existence of Tennessee's Department of Economic and Community Development until June 30, 2029, preventing its automatic termination under sunset provisions. The bill amends state law (TCA Title 4, Chapters 29 and 3) to update references to the department’s authority and remove an outdated subdivision. This change directly affects the department’s ongoing operations, ensuring it can continue administering economic development programs without interruption. The legislation is procedural in nature, focusing solely on extending the department’s legal lifespan rather than altering its functions or funding. The bill became law as Public Chapter 236 on April 29, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 270 extends the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency's (TEMA) legal operation until June 30, 2029, by amending two sections of Tennessee law (TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 58, Chapter 2). The bill removes an existing expiration date and sets a new one, preventing TEMA from automatically terminating before that date. This directly affects TEMA and ensures continuity in the state's emergency management framework without altering its duties or funding. The change is a straightforward procedural update to maintain agency operations.

Maddy summaryHB 266 extends the operational lifespan of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) by postponing its automatic sunset date to June 30, 2029. This bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 29, and Title 38, Chapter 6, to remove a reference to an earlier expiration and formally define the TBI within the legal framework. The change directly affects the TBI by ensuring its continued operation without needing new legislation before 2029. This is a procedural extension, not a substantive policy change, and it became law as Public Chapter 240 on April 29, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 279 extends the Tennessee Technological University Board of Trustees' existence until June 30, 2030, by removing an automatic termination date (sunset provision) from state law. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 4-29-246 and 4-29-251 to clarify that the board was created under specific statutes and prevent its automatic dissolution. This change directly affects the governance structure of Tennessee Technological University by ensuring the board remains in place for an extended period. The bill became law on April 29, 2025, as Public Chapter 242.