Rep. Kevin Vaughan

Maddy summaryHB 1933 requires Tennessee's Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to study pay equity for assistant district attorneys general (ADAs) in the state. The study, to be completed by January 31, 2027, will examine whether ADAs' pay aligns with comparable roles and recommend potential changes. TACIR must use existing state resources and submit findings to key legislative committees, with no new funding mandated. This bill directly affects ADAs' compensation structure but does not change pay rates or implement new laws itself.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution honors Reuben Henry Sanders for his distinguished service as the Sergeant at Arms for the Tennessee House of Representatives since 2017. The measure formally recognizes his contributions to the House and the House Commerce Committee, noting his background as a former firefighter and Fisk University graduate. Upon unanimous adoption, the resolution expresses gratitude for his professional conduct and integrity while authorizing a copy of the document to be presented to him.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Tennessee's privacy law to change the definition of "definable group" from "glee club" to "choral group" for the Ensuring Likeness, Voice, and Image Security Act. The change affects how the law identifies groups of people whose likeness, voice, or image may be protected under privacy regulations. By updating this specific term, the bill ensures that choral groups are treated the same as glee clubs regarding personal rights protections. The amendment takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 2587 would reduce the required notice period for public hearings on zoning ordinances or amendments from 21 to 14 calendar days. This change directly affects all local governments in Tennessee that adopt or amend zoning rules, requiring them to notify the public 7 days sooner. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections related to property development to implement this shorter notice period. The policy change only modifies the timing of public notice, without altering zoning content or requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1931 prevents county legislative bodies in Tennessee counties with charters from reducing a sheriff's budget below the previous year's level for personnel, benefits, or essential operations without the sheriff's written approval. It gives sheriffs the authority to approve or reject budget amendments that would cut these areas, and allows county legislatures to override a sheriff's disapproval with a two-thirds vote. The bill directly affects sheriffs and county lawmakers in charter counties, specifically protecting budget allocations for core sheriff duties. Key provisions include requiring written sheriff consent for cuts and establishing a formal override process for budget disputes. (HB 1931, Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5, Chapters 1, 9, and 8)

Maddy summaryHB 796 requires Tennessee public utilities (water, gas, and electric providers) to allow customers to hire their own contractors for installing utility infrastructure, rather than mandating the utility do the work. Utilities may set reasonable construction and material specifications but cannot require specific vendors or manufacturers. The bill also sets a 30-day timeline for utilities to review customer plans (capping fees at $1,000) and states that unapproved plans are deemed acceptable if a licensed engineer certifies compliance within that timeframe. This directly affects utility customers seeking contractor choice and utilities managing infrastructure installation processes.

Maddy summaryHB 1929 extends the deadline for the commissioner of financial institutions to submit the annual report from 60 to 70 days after the end of the calendar year. This procedural change affects the Department of Financial Institutions, providing an additional 10 days to prepare and submit the report to the governor. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 45-1-119(a), to update the submission timeline without altering the report's content or requirements. It does not impact financial institutions or the public directly.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 162 is a commemorative resolution honoring Harlan Paul Whitehorn, a Briarcrest Christian High School student, for achieving the Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts of America. It recognizes his community service (including organizing cleanups and food drives), leadership in Scouting (such as mentoring peers and leading treks), and academic achievements (like receiving the Joseph A. Clayton Award). The resolution, passed unanimously by the Tennessee House of Representatives, serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation with no binding policy impact.

Maddy summaryHB 2383 requires Tennessee's transportation commissioner to establish rules for reimbursing utilities (like electric, water, gas, and broadband providers) when they must relocate infrastructure for highway projects. It sets a minimum reimbursement of $2.5 million for projects where relocation costs exceed that amount, while allowing higher payments at the commissioner's discretion. The bill also mandates that the department approve utility relocation plans that minimize costs for both the utility and its ratepayers. It clarifies that "utility" includes modern infrastructure like fiber optics and broadband, aligning with existing practice without creating new costs for the state.

Maddy summaryHB 2593 allows Tennessee's Public Utility Commission (PUC) to submit its annual report electronically to the state General Assembly instead of in paper form. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee law (including Title 65) to explicitly permit electronic delivery of the report, which covers the PUC's operations, utility company activities in the state, and meeting minutes. This change directly affects the PUC (which regulates utilities like electricity and gas companies) and the General Assembly (which receives the report). The bill makes no changes to the content of the report or regulatory requirements - only the method of delivery. It is a procedural update to modernize reporting practices.