Rep. Ron Gant

Maddy summaryHB 291 requires the University of Tennessee's Institute of American Civics to create a standardized course curriculum on American government and history for all public Tennessee colleges and universities. The curriculum must cover specific foundational documents, including the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Federalist Papers, Emancipation Proclamation, Gettysburg Address, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail," plus one additional African-American freedom struggle document. All public higher education students must complete this 3-semester-hour course before earning a bachelor's degree, starting with the 2025-2026 academic year, though equivalent advanced placement or dual credit courses may satisfy the requirement. The bill mandates that institutions implement this without increasing degree credit requirements or conflicting with accreditation standards.

Maddy summaryHB 505 converts Tennessee's temporary school safety alert grant pilot program into a statewide two-year program, effective July 2025. It removes the previous limit on the number of grants awarded annually, allowing all eligible schools to apply on a first-come, first-served basis without geographic restrictions. Schools - including public, charter, private, and church-related institutions - can receive grants of up to $8,000 per school per fiscal year to purchase approved mobile panic alert systems. The program ends on July 1, 2027, and requires annual reports on fund usage from the Department of Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution honoring the memory of Henry Wetter Morgan, a prominent Memphis businessman and public servant who passed away. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions to business, community service, and civic leadership throughout his life. It expresses the legislature's condolences to his family and directs that a copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation to his family. The measure does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal tribute to his legacy.

Maddy summaryThis House Joint Resolution honors Novella Morrow on the occasion of her 102nd birthday. The bill formally recognizes her as a long-standing community member and extends official congratulations from the Tennessee General Assembly. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute to her life and contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that honors the memory of Robert Randle Roll, a resident of Memphis, Tennessee. The resolution formally acknowledges his life and contributions, noting his career in retail and insurance, his family life, and his community involvement. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a legislative tribute to recognize his legacy. The document is ceremonial and does not affect any government operations or public programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2618 increases penalties for assaulting first responders (like police and EMTs) in Tennessee, reclassifying it from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. The bill mandates a $10,000 fine and a 60-day minimum jail sentence with no early release for these offenses, effective July 1, 2026. It also separately increases penalties for assaults against nurses to a Class A misdemeanor with a $5,000 fine and 30-day minimum sentence. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of assaulting these specific professions by imposing stricter financial and incarceration requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2195 requires air medical communication specialists working for certain accredited flight programs in Tennessee to obtain certification within six months of starting their job. It directly affects specialists employed by flight programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) or affiliated with the International Association of Medical Transport Communication Specialists (IAMTCS). The bill specifies two acceptable certification pathways: CAMTS accreditation or IAMTCS membership. This policy change establishes a clear timeline for professional certification to ensure specialists meet standardized training requirements.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution formally recognizes the Somerville Rotary Club's 50th anniversary. It honors the club's 50 years of community service - including local initiatives, scholarships, international humanitarian projects (like clean water efforts in Mexico), and youth development programs - but does not create new laws or obligations. The resolution specifically commends the club's "Service Above Self" mission and its contributions to Fayette County, without affecting any policies or residents. As a non-binding recognition, it has no direct impact beyond ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryHB 2197 allows individuals seeking health care licenses in Tennessee to request a pre-application eligibility check based on criminal history both in writing and electronically, not just in writing. It updates the process by clarifying that the 30-day window to challenge a disqualification notice in court begins when the notice is received - whether sent by mail or electronically. This directly affects people with criminal records applying for health care licenses (e.g., nurses, pharmacists). The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 63-1-130(b) and (c) to implement these procedural changes.

Maddy summaryHB 2217 removes a provision that allowed the speaker of the Tennessee House or Senate to appoint a state legislator from a district that was part of a central business improvement district as of January 1, 1999, as an ex officio board member for certain regional authorities and special districts. This change eliminates an alternative appointment method for board members of these entities, affecting how their governance structures are composed. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated by deleting subdivision (2) from Section 7-84-519(d) in Title 7 and also affects Titles 9 and 67.