Rep. Sam McKenzie

Maddy summaryHJR 510 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing Trinity Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Knoxville for its 59th anniversary. It formally honors the church's history, including its founding in 1966 and merger of three congregations, and acknowledges its community service activities. The resolution was enacted after passing both legislative chambers and being signed by the Governor on April 15, 2025. As a symbolic gesture, it has no policy impact or direct effect on individuals or programs.

Maddy summaryHJR 494 is a ceremonial joint resolution honoring Mary Elizabeth Goins, a deceased community member and longtime public servant from Tennessee. The resolution, passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor, commemorates her 40-year career at Sears, her 80-year membership at Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church, and her dedication to family and community service. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal legislative tribute to her life and legacy.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 361) honoring Mary Elizabeth Goins for her 104th birthday. It has no policy provisions or effects - it simply expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's tribute to Mrs. Goins for her life achievements, including her 64-year marriage, 80-year church membership, community service, and career at Miller's Department Store and Sears. The resolution was formally adopted by both chambers and signed by the Governor on April 1, 2025. As a commemorative resolution, it directly affects only the honoree and has no legislative or financial impact.

Maddy summaryHB 1051 replaces Tennessee's "Age-Appropriate Materials Act of 2022" with the "Freedom to Read Act," affecting school libraries and classroom libraries in public schools and charter schools. The bill requires that materials (including books, digital content, and more) must be suitable for students' age and maturity and cannot be removed due to the creator's background, ideology, or religious views. Schools must adopt a policy for reviewing removal requests from students, parents, or staff, and materials must stay available during the review process. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 742 requires Tennessee local governments to obtain at least three written quotes for certain purchases, specifically those costing more than 40% but less than the full procurement threshold amount established by law or local resolution. This applies to purchases like equipment, supplies, or services that fall in the middle range of the current threshold system. The bill amends existing procurement laws to clarify that this three-quote requirement must be met "when possible," without changing the threshold amounts themselves. It directly affects all cities, counties, and local government entities making purchases within this specified cost range.

Maddy summaryHB 741 requires Tennessee law enforcement agencies that use body cameras to create written policies governing their use. The bill mandates that officers activate cameras during calls for service and encounters with the public (except during immediate threats), notify subjects they are being recorded, and keep cameras on until the encounter ends. Exceptions include turning cameras off when a private resident requests it, when interacting with domestic abuse or rape victims, or with anonymous crime tipsters. The policy must also prohibit using body cameras to record First Amendment activities unrelated to police responses. This directly affects all Tennessee law enforcement agencies and officers using body-worn cameras.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 184), not a substantive bill. It honors the Knoxville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., for its 112th Founders Day Celebration on February 22, 2025. The resolution recognizes the sorority’s long-standing community service, including educational support and its Five-Point programmatic focus, but does not create new laws or obligations. It was unanimously passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor.

Maddy summaryHJR 96 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Bob Kesling upon his retirement after over 25 years as the Voice of the Vols on the University of Tennessee Vol Radio Network. The resolution recognizes his career as the longest-serving member of the Vol Network's 75-year history, his four-time Sportscaster of the Year awards, and his community service, including roles with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and United Way. It does not create new laws or policies but formally expresses legislative appreciation for his contributions to Tennessee sports broadcasting.

Maddy summaryHJR 97 is a commemorative resolution honoring the late poet and activist Nikki Giovanni, recognizing her legacy as an author, educator, and advocate for civil rights. It formally expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's tribute to her life and work, citing her contributions to literature, her activism during the Civil Rights Movement, and her service as a Virginia Tech professor. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely ceremonial, passed unanimously by both chambers and signed by the Governor. It extends condolences to her family and acknowledges her impact on Knoxville and beyond.

Maddy summaryHB 1260 requires Tennessee’s Department of Finance and Administration, working with the Department of Health and TennCare, to apply for federal approval by January 1, 2026, to import prescription drugs from Canada. The bill mandates that the application must prove imported drugs meet safety standards, comply with U.S. supply chain laws, list cost-saving drugs, and identify Canadian suppliers. If approved, the state would implement a program to import the most cost-effective drugs, aiming to reduce prescription drug costs for Tennessee residents, particularly those covered by TennCare. The bill does not guarantee savings or implementation but sets a timeline for seeking federal permission.