Rep. Gary Hicks

Maddy summaryHB 2207 extends the deadline for eligible taxpayers to apply for property tax relief in Tennessee. It increases the window from 35 to 45 days after taxes become delinquent to either apply for a refund or present a credit voucher. The bill directly affects property owners who qualify for tax relief but have not yet submitted their application. This change modifies Tennessee Code Annotated Title 67, Section 67-5-701(d)(1), to adjust the application timeline.

Maddy summaryHB 2270 directs Tennessee's Department of Finance and Administration to study and report on state funding sources derived from lawsuits or investigations that support children's online mental health and safety. Specifically, it requires a report by January 15, 2027, detailing how funds - such as civil penalties from cases under the Protecting Children from Social Media Act - are used to protect children online. The bill does not create new laws or change funding allocations but mandates this review to inform future decisions. It is a procedural measure focused solely on gathering information, not implementing policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 2446 removes two specific restrictions on grants for Tennessee's volunteer fire departments. It eliminates the requirement that annual grant funds must be equally divided among the state's three grand divisions (East, Middle, West) and removes the ban on using grant money to purchase fire trucks or vehicles. This change gives local fire departments more flexibility in how they allocate funds and use them for equipment. The bill directly affects volunteer fire departments receiving state grants under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 68. The changes apply to grants awarded after June 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1867 amends Tennessee's TennCare reporting requirements to allow the TennCare division to submit its annual coverage assessment report more frequently than the current quarterly schedule. The bill specifically revises TCA Title 71, Chapter 5, by adding language permitting the division to submit reports at "more frequent intervals" to the finance and health committees of both legislative houses. This change affects the TennCare division (which administers Medicaid) and the legislative committees overseeing healthcare funding. It does not alter coverage policies or eligibility but modifies the reporting timeline for transparency. The bill is currently pending committee review after introduction in January 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1864 extends Tennessee's nursing home annual assessment fee deadline from June 30, 2026, to June 30, 2027, affecting licensed nursing facilities participating in TennCare (Tennessee's Medicaid program). The bill primarily adjusts key dates in the state's Medicaid reimbursement system for nursing homes, including extending the fee payment period and modifying fiscal year references in the law. These changes align with the existing process for recalculating reimbursement rates based on nursing home cost reports. The bill does not alter the underlying reimbursement methodology but delays the implementation timeline for the current fee structure.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee House Joint Resolution formally recognizes National Police Week (May 11-16, 2026) and Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15, 2026) to honor law enforcement officers. The bill expresses gratitude for the service of current officers and pays tribute to those who have died in the line of duty. It serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than enacting new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHJR 1645 is a joint resolution that formally honors fallen law enforcement officers from Hawkins County, Tennessee. It specifically names five officers who died in the line of duty and designates May 11-16, 2026, as National Police Week and May 15, 2026, as Peace Officers Memorial Day. The resolution expresses gratitude for their service and sacrifice but does not change any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors Hawkins County Sheriff Ronnie Lawson as he retires in August 2026. It recognizes his decades of service, which include leading the creation of specialized units like the tactical and aviation teams and overseeing the safety of over 60,000 residents. The resolution does not change any laws or policies but serves to acknowledge his career achievements and offer well wishes for his retirement.

Maddy summaryHB 1909 updates Tennessee's legal terminology by changing all references from "marital and family therapists" to "marriage and family therapists" across multiple state code sections (including licensing, practice standards, and definitions in Titles 4, 8, 33, 36, 52, 56, 63, and 68). This primarily affects licensed therapists, state licensing boards, and healthcare facilities by standardizing professional titles and aligning with common industry terminology. Key provisions include revising licensing reciprocity rules (Section 16) and clarifying practice boundaries for therapists (Section 20), ensuring consistency in how the profession is referenced in law. The bill makes no substantive policy changes beyond terminology adjustments and does not alter therapist qualifications or patient protections.

Maddy summaryHB 734 modifies Tennessee's statute of repose for construction-related claims by removing a four-year time limit for specific counterclaims. It exempts parties filing counterclaims, third-party complaints, or cross-claims related to the design, planning, supervision, or construction of real property improvements from the standard four-year deadline. This change directly affects contractors, architects, and other professionals involved in construction disputes who face such claims. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 28, and takes effect July 1, 2025.