Rep. Mark Cochran

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to completely rewrite the city charter for Niota, Tennessee, replacing its current governing document with a new set of rules. The legislation directly affects the City of Niota and its residents by establishing updated boundaries and granting specific powers to the mayor and board of commissioners. Key provisions include defining the city's geographic limits using precise land descriptions, allowing the city to levy taxes and incur debt, and authorizing the management of public utilities and property. The bill requires local approval from Niota voters before the new charter can take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 545 requires Tennessee teachers in grades 6-12 to complete at least one free, department-approved professional development course on using artificial intelligence in classrooms by August 1, 2027, or within two years of their teaching license, whichever comes later. The Tennessee Department of Education must provide at least one self-paced, asynchronous course on AI in teaching, created by STEM-experienced entities, available at no cost to eligible teachers. Schools must approve the course for professional development credit under existing licensure rules. This bill directly affects over 20,000 K-12 teachers in Tennessee through mandatory training on AI integration in education.

Maddy summaryHB 2018 requires Tennessee law enforcement agencies to accept and honor federal immigration detainers by maintaining custody of individuals for 48 hours beyond their scheduled release date (excluding weekends and holidays) to allow federal authorities to take custody. It also mandates that agencies notify federal immigration officials as soon as possible before releasing someone subject to a detainer. This applies to all Tennessee law enforcement agencies and takes effect July 1, 2026. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections related to law enforcement procedures to implement these requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1709 requires applicants for most licensed professions in Tennessee to be either a U.S. citizen or a "qualified alien" (as defined in existing law) to obtain a license, certificate, or permit. It directly affects professionals in fields covered by the amended code sections, including court reporters, lawyers, aeronautics instructors, and healthcare providers. The bill adds this citizenship or immigration status requirement to eligibility criteria across multiple licensing statutes, replacing prior language without specifying alternative qualifications. This change applies to all new applications and renewals under the affected professions, though it does not alter existing license holders' status. The bill is currently in committee review as of January 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1271 is a policy declaration bill that would state Tennessee's position that "there are only two sexes, a biological male and a biological female," as part of state law. It amends multiple Tennessee Code sections (Titles 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8) to include this statement as official state policy. The bill does not create new regulations or directly affect specific individuals or groups; it only establishes this policy position in existing legal codes. The measure is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee for further review. This is a procedural declaration, not a law altering rights or services.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution that formally honors and commends the Community Action Group of Englewood for its work in preserving local history. It specifically recognizes the organization's role in organizing the annual Englewood June Days festival, which began in 1986 as part of the statewide Tennessee Homecoming initiative. The resolution highlights how the festival has evolved over forty years while maintaining its original spirit of community celebration and heritage preservation. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not create new laws or funding but serves to acknowledge the group's contributions to the town of Englewood.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 9, 2026, as "Alexander Keith Chapter DAR 100th Anniversary Day" in Tennessee to honor the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The resolution recognizes the organization's century-long history of preserving history, supporting veterans, and promoting civic duty within the community. By officially naming this date, the state acknowledges the chapter's volunteer efforts and its contribution to American heritage. The measure does not change laws or allocate funds but serves as a formal commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution honors Etowah Boy Scout Troop 74 for reaching its 100th anniversary since its charter was signed in 1926. The bill formally commends the troop's century-long legacy of producing Eagle Scouts, supporting local community projects, and instilling values of service and citizenship in its members. It acknowledges the contributions of past leaders and the troop's use of a historic Scout Lodge before wishing the group success for its upcoming centennial celebration in July 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2125 requires Tennessee's Department of Education to work with the Department of Safety to create mandatory guidelines for public schools and charter schools offering driver education courses. These guidelines must include specific safety content: road safety tips, use of the Department of Safety's driver manual, and education on the dangers of driving under the influence and distracted driving. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 49-1-204 and 55 to implement this requirement, directly affecting all Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools providing driver training. The guidelines will take effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2637 changes how Athens' mayor and city council members are paid by requiring their compensation to be set through local city council ordinances instead of fixed state-mandated amounts. This bill directly affects future mayors and council members in Athens, as their pay would be determined by the city council via ordinance, with no changes applying during current terms. Key provisions include requiring a two-thirds vote of the Athens city council to adopt the compensation method and ensuring current pay rates remain unchanged for sitting officials. The bill amends specific historical city charter provisions to shift this authority to local government.