Rep. Antonio Parkinson

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 65) honoring Richard Ransom, a Memphis television news anchor and journalist, for his decades of service to the community. It commends his work as a trusted news source, his Emmy-winning reporting, and his role in hosting political debates and community initiatives like "Pass It On." The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is purely a formal expression of recognition by the Tennessee House of Representatives. It directly affects no individuals or entities beyond the symbolic tribute to Mr. Ransom.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 262) honoring Shelly Rice for his 20-year leadership of the Frayser Exchange Club in Memphis, Tennessee. It recognizes his role in reviving the club, fostering community engagement across political lines, and contributing to the construction of a new high school, library, and Ed Rice Community Center. The resolution formally commends Rice's public service and civic impact. As a non-binding honor, it does not create policy changes or affect any laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 933 requires Tennessee's Department of Education to create a three-year pilot program (2025-2028) funding AI-powered weapons detection systems for specific schools. It targets school districts that are designated as "priority schools" under state accountability rules or experienced gun violence on school grounds in 2024-2025, excluding the Achievement School District. The program provides grants for purchasing systems capable of detecting weapons like knives and firearms, automatically alerting school staff and law enforcement upon detection. Schools without such systems receive priority, with annual reports required to the legislature on program participation and system deployment.

Maddy summaryHR 46 is a ceremonial resolution (House Resolution 46) honoring the late Jimmy Taylor, Jr., a Tennessee public servant, businessman, and community member. The resolution commemorates his life, highlighting his work in public service, entrepreneurship, family values, and contributions to his community through music and ministry. It expresses the Tennessee House of Representatives' condolences to his family and affirms his legacy of integrity. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents.

Maddy summaryHB 971 allows Tennessee public high schools (grades 9-12) to let students earn half a physical education credit by completing yardwork projects for older adults or people with disabilities in their community, through partnerships with local service organizations. Schools must obtain parental consent, ensure student supervision during service, and document hours to match traditional PE requirements. The bill requires schools to collect participant feedback and submit annual reports to the state education department on program participation and outcomes. This policy directly affects students seeking PE credit, schools implementing the program, and community service partners providing the yardwork opportunities.

Maddy summaryHJR 119 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Adrian Maclin, a Cordova High School music teacher and choir director, for being named the 2025 Grammy Music Educator of the Year. The resolution recognizes his 13 years as a music educator, his award-winning choir program, and his leadership in music education organizations. It expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's commendation of his dedication to students and the field of music education. As a symbolic gesture, the resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any group. It was formally adopted and signed by both chambers and the governor in February 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 43 proposes to amend Tennessee law by designating "Tennessee" by Arrested Development as an official state song, adding it to the list of state symbols under Tennessee Code §4-1-302. This procedural bill would formally recognize the song as a state symbol, directly affecting Tennessee's official cultural representation. The bill failed in the State & Local Government Committee on February 19, 2025, and has not become law. As a naming/designation bill, it does not create new policy but seeks to adopt a specific song as an official state emblem.

Maddy summaryHB 362 requires Tennessee's TACIR (Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations) to study the economic impact of cosmetology and barbering professions in the state, including revenue generated and jobs created. The study must be conducted using existing TACIR resources, with input requested from the Department of Commerce and Insurance. Upon completion, TACIR must report findings and recommendations - including any proposed legislation - to the relevant legislative committees (Commerce and Labor in the Senate and the House committee overseeing cosmetology/barbering) and provide a copy to the legislative librarian. This bill does not change current laws but mandates a study to inform future policy decisions affecting these professions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Tennessee state laws to change the deadline for cosmetology license applications from thirty days to thirty-five days. It directly affects individuals seeking cosmetology licenses within the state by providing them with an additional five days to submit their paperwork. The change is a minor administrative adjustment to the existing regulations governing professional licensing.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee bill expands the legal definition of aggravated rape to include cases where the perpetrator knowingly has HIV and transmits it through sexual contact. By adding this specific condition to the state's criminal code, the law directly affects individuals accused of sexual offenses involving HIV transmission. The key provision requires that the defendant be aware of their infection at the time of the act for the charge to be elevated to aggravated rape. This change takes effect on July 1, 2024, and modifies existing statutes to address public health concerns within the context of sexual violence.