Rep. Dave Wright

Maddy summaryHB 2320 requires convention center authorities in Tennessee to submit an annual audit of their finances to the municipality that authorized their creation, by January 1 each year. This bill directly affects convention center authorities and the local municipalities that granted them permission to operate. The key provision amends Tennessee law to mandate this annual audit submission to the municipality's governing body, replacing previous requirements with a specific deadline. The bill focuses on increasing financial transparency for these authorities without changing their operational structure or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Tennessee counties operating under the 1957 County Purchasing Law to set their own pay for the director of accounts and budgets, overriding previous restrictions. It amends state code (TCA Title 5 and Title 8) to explicitly grant county legislative bodies this authority. The change directly affects county governments using the 1957 law, giving them control over a specific staff salary decision. The policy change is limited to compensation for this single position and does not alter other county budgeting processes.

Maddy summaryHB 1858 allows Tennessee local governments (like city councils, county commissions, and school boards) to hold community meetings using video or audio conferencing. It requires these meetings to provide real-time public access online, post notices detailing electronic participation options, record the meeting, and share the recording on the government’s website within four business days. The bill also prohibits voting during meetings where members participate remotely and mandates that remote participants identify themselves by name throughout the session. This changes how local governments conduct public meetings, making remote attendance more accessible while maintaining transparency requirements.

Maddy summaryThis House Joint Resolution honors Steve Hunley for his contributions to Knox County and the State of Tennessee. It formally recognizes his achievements in business, education, and community service through a legislative commendation.

Maddy summaryHB 2255 requires that any vacancy on Tennessee's Human Trafficking Advisory Council be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term using the same appointment method as the original selection. This applies to all vacancies on the council and affects how the state fills leadership positions on this specific advisory body. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections to implement this requirement, ensuring continuity in council representation without changing the appointment process itself. It does not alter the council's responsibilities or create new policies, but standardizes vacancy procedures. The bill's title mentioning "Criminal Offenses" appears unrelated to its actual content.

Maddy summaryHB 2319 prohibits county government employees from serving on their own county legislative bodies (like county commissions). It directly affects current and future county employees who would otherwise be eligible to serve on local governing boards. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 5-5-102, to disqualify such employees, with a temporary exception allowing those already serving to complete their current terms. This change applies to all county-level local governments across Tennessee.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee joint resolution formally recognizes the 150th anniversary of AT&T, commemorating the company's founding in 1876 and the historic first telephone call made by Alexander Graham Bell. The bill expresses appreciation for AT&T's contributions to telecommunications innovation and its role in providing connectivity across Tennessee over the past century and a half. It does not create new laws or regulations but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the company's historical significance and ongoing impact on communication infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 2159 clarifies rules for garagekeepers (like auto repair shops) who store vehicles for repairs without the owner's written authorization for storage. It allows them to enforce a lien if they first make a good-faith effort to get consent for repairs and send certified mail notice to the owner. Garagekeepers must wait 30 days after mailing the notice (or 30 days after receiving the owner's return receipt) before enforcing the lien. The bill also requires garagekeepers to keep records of their contact attempts and certified mail receipts to prove compliance. This directly affects vehicle owners whose cars are stored without prior written permission and garagekeepers seeking to claim repair costs.

Maddy summaryHB 1748 requires individuals ordered to use an ignition interlock device (typically for DUI offenses) to provide the court clerk with documentation proving they qualify for financial assistance (like Medicaid or food stamps) on the date they were ordered to use the device. The bill amends Tennessee law to mandate this documentation and authorizes the state treasurer to verify eligibility through agreements with state agencies. It directly affects DUI offenders who may qualify for reduced costs on ignition interlock devices through the electronic monitoring indigency fund. The key mechanism is creating a verification process to determine eligibility for cost assistance, replacing previous requirements with a standardized documentation and state agency cooperation system.

Maddy summaryHB 1731 amends Tennessee law to clarify that "desecrate" includes removing objects from burial sites by anyone who isn't a family member of the deceased or a cemetery representative. This directly affects individuals who might disturb graves or burial artifacts without proper authorization. The key provision expands the legal definition within existing criminal offense statutes (Tennessee Code Sections 39-17-311) to specifically cover unauthorized removal of items from burial places. The change takes effect July 1, 2026.