Rep. G.A. Hardaway

Maddy summaryHB 92 would allow voters in Tennessee localities to remove elected officials like mayors, school board members, or city councilors through a recall election. To initiate a recall, petitioners must gather signatures from 66% of voters who supported the official in their last election, with strict verification requirements. If the petition is valid, a special election is held where voters decide by a 66% majority whether to remove the official. Local governments must first adopt this process via a two-thirds vote of their legislative body, and it does not apply to innovative school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 2348 changes Tennessee law to make the criminal offense of threatening mass violence on school property apply only to "valid and credible" threats, not all threats. It requires schools to include a written mental health assessment by a qualified provider (like a psychologist or school counselor, possibly via telehealth) when evaluating students showing threatening behavior. This applies to all public schools and charter schools in Tennessee, directly affecting students, school staff, and threat assessment teams. The bill also updates related laws to consistently use the "valid and credible threat" standard, effective July 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2292 requires Tennessee's State Board for Licensing Contractors to notify the Department of Commerce and Insurance whenever it posts disciplinary actions against contractors on its website. This procedural bill updates communication protocols between state agencies but does not change contractor regulations or affect contractors directly. The key provision mandates that the Board must send this notification "as soon as practicable" after posting the disciplinary action online. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 62-6-139 and related provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 2299 shortens the deadline for courts to schedule depositions preserving testimony in elder abuse cases from 60 to 45 days after a motion is filed. This applies directly to courts handling cases involving alleged offenses against elderly or vulnerable adults. The key change reduces the timeframe for setting deposition dates to help preserve witness testimony more promptly. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 39-15-504 and 71, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2291 deletes an obsolete statute (TCA Section 16-1-119) that created a judicial districts advisory task force. The task force completed its work and disbanded in 2019, making this statute no longer relevant. The bill amends Tennessee Code Titles 16 and 17 to remove this outdated provision. It has no direct impact on citizens or court operations, as it only removes unused legal language.

Maddy summaryHB 2297 requires Tennessee elementary and secondary schools to display two signs (instead of one) in highly visible public areas accessible to students. Each sign must show the toll-free number for reporting child abuse or neglect to the Department of Children's Services. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Section 49-6-304, changing the requirement from one sign location to two. This directly affects all K-12 public and private schools in Tennessee. The policy change aims to increase student access to the reporting hotline by making the contact information more prominently available.

Maddy summaryHB 2293 requires Shelby County (population over 900,000 per 2020 census) to establish a county ethics commission by January 1, 2027. The commission would consist of six members: two appointed by the county mayor and four by the county legislative body, with equal party representation. It would handle public complaints about county officials' conduct, investigate ethical violations, provide guidance, and issue advisory opinions. The bill was withdrawn on February 2, 2026, and is not currently active law.

Maddy summaryHB 485 allows Tennessee public schools and charter schools to replace up to four days of required in-person instruction with hybrid learning during extreme weather, emergencies, or disasters approved by school leaders. It directly affects K-12 students and schools by requiring minimum daily instructional hours (4 hours for kindergarten, 6.5 hours for grades 1-12) during hybrid days and mandating systems to track attendance and ensure individualized education program (IEP) services continue. Schools must verify student participation, distinguish between excused and unexcused absences, and comply with all state/federal education laws while using this option. The law, effective July 1, 2025, does not change the total required 180-day school year but provides flexibility for school closures due to emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the memory of Alfred Bertram Cate, Jr., a Tennessee educator, coach, and Vietnam War veteran who taught history and coached at Memphis Central High School for 36 years. It commemorates his military service (including a Bronze Star), his coaching achievements (152 student-athletes receiving college scholarships), and his community contributions. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it is a formal tribute to his legacy, expressing condolences to his family and recognizing his impact on students and the community. As a memorial resolution, it has no binding effect on government operations or citizens.

Maddy summaryHB 629 modifies Tennessee law regarding juvenile justice and school discipline. It allows juvenile courts to order GPS tracking devices for youth accused of delinquency or unruliness who are released before a hearing, requiring monitoring providers to alert probation officers if rules are violated. Additionally, it mandates that students expelled for threatening mass violence at school must complete counseling and a mental health evaluation before returning to school, with costs borne by parents or the student (if 18+), and evaluation results kept confidential. These changes apply to cases occurring on or after July 1, 2025.