Rep. Kevin Vaughan

Maddy summaryHJR 618 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing Collierville Mayor Stan R. Joyner upon his retirement after over 20 years of public service. It formally commends his leadership as mayor (2008-2024), his work establishing Collierville's municipal school district, and his community involvement, including awards like the Collierville Chamber of Commerce's "Person of the Year." The resolution has no policy impact - it is solely a symbolic tribute from the Tennessee General Assembly. It was signed by the Governor on April 29, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 797 requires Tennessee juvenile courts to hold child custody, detention, and court hearings in a dedicated courtroom located as close as possible to an approved juvenile detention facility in the same county. This applies to counties that operate an approved detention center for juveniles under court jurisdiction. The law aims to reduce humiliation for children by minimizing unnecessary transportation, which can involve public exposure and restraints during court transfers. It does not change existing rules about confidentiality or the use of audio-visual technology in juvenile proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 477 allows Tennessee businesses to choose a 40% bonus depreciation deduction for the cost of new equipment purchased on or after January 1, 2026, when calculating excise tax. This applies directly to businesses that buy qualifying assets (like machinery or equipment) after 2025. The bill lets taxpayers elect the 40% deduction or, if federal law increases its bonus rate above 40%, use that higher federal percentage instead. It modifies Tennessee’s excise tax code to align with these federal depreciation rules for assets bought in 2026 or later.

Maddy summaryHB 795 requires local governments in Tennessee to return all requested changes to a developer's or contractor's application in one document or refund related fees for subsequent changes. It prohibits local governments from forcing developers or contractors to fund, build, or contribute to "nonessential infrastructure" (such as public roads, traffic lights, or utility lines not directly tied to the development) unless specifically agreed upon in the original contract. The bill defines nonessential infrastructure as anything beyond what’s necessary for the development property’s creation, maintenance, or growth. This aims to reduce administrative delays and unexpected costs for developers during the approval process.

Maddy summaryHJR 176 is a procedural resolution establishing a joint committee to investigate the potential removal of Steven J. Mulroy, the District Attorney General for Tennessee's Thirtieth Judicial District. The bill authorizes the House and Senate Speakers to appoint five members each to form a committee that will review alleged misconduct (including ethical violations and mismanagement) and determine if due process hearings are warranted. If hearings proceed, the committee would recommend removal to the full General Assembly, which would then vote separately on each cause requiring a two-thirds majority. This resolution outlines the procedural steps for removal under Tennessee Constitution Article VI, Section 6, but does not address the merits of the allegations.

Maddy summaryHB 544 creates a commercial development board to negotiate agreements where private developers pay reduced property taxes (called "PILOTs") instead of regular taxes for new commercial properties in qualifying areas. It applies to developers building new commercial properties in counties with high property tax rates (over $5.50 per $100 assessed value), limiting PILOT agreements to 10 years. The board collects these payments and distributes them to local governments, requiring annual reports on property values, lease terms, and tax allocations. This aims to incentivize development while maintaining local revenue streams through structured tax agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 474 requires Tennessee's Higher Education Commission (with input from the Department of Labor) to study all state-funded financial aid programs and private workforce training programs to assess whether they could be expanded to better support individuals pursuing workforce credentials. The Commission must report its findings and any legislative recommendations to the relevant House and Senate education committees by January 15, 2026. This bill does not change existing aid programs but mandates a review to identify potential opportunities for increased financial support in workforce training. It applies directly to state financial aid systems and private entities offering workforce credential programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1246 requires Tennessee's Attorney General's office to report on investigations into consumer protection violations (like scams or unfair business practices) where artificial intelligence was used to commit those violations. The report must cover cases from January 2024 through December 2025 and be submitted to specific legislative committee chairs by July 1, 2026. This bill does not change consumer protection laws but mandates data collection on AI's role in enforcement. The report may be submitted electronically, and the bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections to reflect this requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 613 requires Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation to submit an annual report starting July 1, 2025, detailing water permit applications and their compensatory mitigation methods. The report must include the total number of permit applications filed and specific information about how environmental restoration (compensatory mitigation) is handled in permits requiring it. For permits using in-lieu fee programs or mitigation banking, the report must specify the sponsor, number of credits sold, and funds received for each project. This bill directly affects the Department of Environment and Conservation (which must file the reports) and entities obtaining water permits (which must provide the required mitigation details). The law amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 69, Section 69-3-108(g).

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee bill changes how hotel occupancy tax revenue is shared between Shelby County and the Convention and Visitors Bureau, requiring local approval to take effect. It establishes a specific funding amount for the Bureau through 2025 and creates a new allocation system starting in 2026 that directs a portion of the tax toward debt payments for a new sports arena and ticket shortfalls for the existing one. Under the new plan, the Bureau receives a set percentage of the tax revenue, while the County retains the rest for arena-related costs and other permitted uses, and the Bureau must provide two seats on its board to County-nominated individuals. The legislation also mandates that the Bureau refund any shortfall if the tax revenue does not meet the required amount for arena debt service.