Rep. Gloria Johnson

Maddy summaryHB 1941 prohibits Tennessee state agencies from using state funds, personnel, or resources to support U.S. immigration and customs enforcement activities within the state. It specifically bans state involvement in federal immigration enforcement actions, such as conducting criminal investigations or enforcing immigration laws. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections (Titles 4, 8, 9, 38, and 39) to implement this restriction. This policy change directly affects all state agencies and local governments that might otherwise coordinate with federal immigration authorities using state resources.

Maddy summaryHB 1267 modifies Tennessee election law by extending the deadline for municipalities to submit ordinances requiring nonresident property owners to vote by absentee ballot. Specifically, it changes the filing requirement from 60 days to 75 days before an election with the county election commission. This bill directly affects Tennessee municipalities that have adopted such absentee ballot rules for nonresident property owners. The key change is solely the 15-day extension of the filing deadline, with no other policy changes to voting procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 2250 requires Tennessee's Department of Children's Services (DCS) to publicly share specific data about contracted child care providers by January 1, 2027. This includes provider lists, youth served, licensing details, funding sources (broken into state/federal), and violation records. Starting January 30, 2027, DCS must publish monthly website reports on short-term placements (like hotels or shelters), including usage statistics, stay lengths, and staff overtime. The bill directly affects DCS, child care providers, and the public by increasing transparency around child welfare services and placement practices.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution recognizes and commends the Tony Award-winning musical Suffs for its upcoming performances at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville from March 3 through March 8, 2026. The resolution honors the musical's portrayal of the women's suffrage movement and its connection to Tennessee's pivotal role in ratifying the Nineteenth Amendment. It serves as a formal acknowledgment of the artistic work's contribution to civic education and cultural life rather than enacting new policy or changing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 1216 would increase Tennessee's minimum wage to $20.00 per hour or the federal minimum wage (whichever is higher), directly affecting most hourly workers and their employers across the state. Key provisions include requiring overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours over 40 per week, allowing employees to sue employers for unpaid wages plus court costs and attorney fees, and aligning enforcement with federal Fair Labor Standards Act rules. The bill would take effect January 1, 2026, if passed, but failed in its subcommittee on March 19, 2025. It does not apply to workers already exempt under federal law.

Maddy summaryHB 1222 would allow courts in Tennessee to issue emergency orders restricting a person’s access to firearms if a family member, household member, intimate partner, or law enforcement officer files a petition alleging the person poses an imminent risk of harm. The bill requires courts to issue these orders immediately if harm is imminent, prohibits the petitioner from paying court costs (shifting costs to the respondent), and mandates a hearing within 30 days to extend the order for up to one year. It specifically defines "family member," "household member," and "intimate partner" to clarify who can petition and ensures law enforcement receives copies to enforce the order. The bill, which amends Tennessee Code Titles 36 and 39, is currently pending (it failed in the Criminal Justice Subcommittee in April 2025).

Maddy summaryHB 1213 requires students using Tennessee’s education savings accounts (vouchers) to take the same standardized tests as public school students. It mandates that these students: - Take all Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) tests for their grade or course, - Complete the 11th-grade college readiness exam, and - Undergo three annual reading screeners in kindergarten through third grade. The bill directly affects voucher program participants (students using education savings or individualized education accounts), with exemptions for students with disabilities under IEP plans. It aims to align assessment requirements between voucher and public school students, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1214 (School Vouchers) requires private schools participating in Tennessee's education savings account (ESA) or individualized education account (IEA) programs to: (1) publish lesson plans, syllabi, library materials, and academic standards online; (2) ensure all educators hold valid teaching licenses; and (3) administer state standardized tests (TCAP or equivalent) to participating students annually, with grade-specific requirements for K-3 reading screeners and 11th-grade exams. The bill directly affects private schools in the voucher programs and their students, mandating transparency and academic accountability. It exempts students with disabilities from certain testing requirements as outlined in their IEPs. The law would take effect July 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 1217 would repeal Tennessee's criminal abortion laws and establish a fundamental right to abortion before fetal viability (when a fetus can survive outside the womb) or when necessary to protect the pregnant person's life or health. The bill directly affects pregnant individuals in Tennessee by removing criminal penalties for abortions meeting these criteria and defining "reproductive health care" to include abortion services. Key provisions include banning state interference with these rights, defining "viability" based on a physician's medical judgment, and clarifying that a fetus has no legal rights under Tennessee law. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 39, 63, and 68 to implement these changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1220, the "Tennessee Contraceptive Freedom Act," establishes a fundamental right for all individuals to make decisions about their reproductive health, including access to contraceptives and related information. It requires healthcare providers to either provide contraceptive services or refer patients to someone who can, and prohibits restrictions that single out contraceptive care or impede access. The bill defines "contraception" broadly (including emergency contraception and sterilization) and clarifies it is distinct from abortion. It applies directly to patients, healthcare providers, health insurance carriers, and public health agencies across Tennessee. The bill is currently pending, having failed in the Health Committee's Population Health Subcommittee on March 18, 2025.