Rep. Charlie Baum

Maddy summaryHB 2408 requires Tennessee's Public Utility Commission to include an annual report on telemarketing compliance in its regular report to state legislators. This report specifically tracks whether companies follow state rules about making unsolicited phone or text calls to home phone users. The bill directs this additional report to be sent to the chairs of two key legislative committees: the House Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee. It does not change existing telemarketing laws but adds a new reporting requirement for the commission. The bill is currently pending review in the Senate Banking & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee.

Maddy summaryHB 2156 requires Tennessee's Department of Revenue to study whether making excise tax credits transferable to third parties (beyond the original recipient) would impact the state's economy. The study must assess potential economic effects, with findings due to tax committees by December 15, 2026. This bill does not change current tax law but mandates a review of a potential policy shift affecting businesses that claim excise tax credits.

Maddy summaryHB 1447 proposes creating the Tennessee Retirement Savings Plan Act, establishing a state-run retirement savings program for Tennessee residents employed within the state. The bill creates a 7-member Tennessee Retirement Savings Board - including the state treasurer, employer and employee representatives, a retired public member, and nonvoting legislative advisors - to develop and manage the plan. Key provisions require the board to design a defined contribution retirement plan, set investment rules, collect administrative fees, and provide outreach to residents. The bill is currently pending introduction (filed October 6, 2025) and has not yet been enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1450 restricts who can post bail for defendants in Tennessee. It prohibits most organizations (not including the defendant, their family, legal guardian, employer, or licensed bail bondsmen) from posting bail security for more than three defendants in a single year or for the same defendant more than once per year. Entities seeking to post bail must first obtain approval under new requirements. The bill amends Tennessee law to clarify definitions (like "family" including third-degree relatives and household members) and limits non-licensed entities from operating bail services. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1744 requires businesses and public entities that accept cash payments to round transactions to the nearest nickel when exact change isn't available, due to pennies no longer being produced. It specifies four rounding rules: amounts ending in 1-2 cents round down, 3-4 cents round up, 6-7 cents round down, and 8-9 cents round up. The rule does not apply to electronic payments or affect how sales tax must be calculated and remitted (exact tax amounts must still be paid). This policy directly impacts all retail businesses, service providers, and public agencies handling cash transactions in Tennessee. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections to implement these rounding requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1518 creates a new pathway for Tennessee HOPE scholarship eligibility for transfer students. It allows students who were initially ineligible as freshmen (due to high school GPA or ACT scores) to qualify if they earn an associate degree through the Tennessee Promise program, maintain scholarship eligibility throughout their associate studies, and achieve a 3.0 GPA at their community college. The policy applies to students transferring to four-year institutions within six months of completing their associate degree. This change takes effect for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Maddy summaryHB 2155 allows licensed nurse practitioners and physician assistants to testify as expert witnesses about medical findings - including diagnosis, treatment costs, and injury causes - in most civil lawsuits. It directly affects these healthcare providers and civil court cases where their expertise is relevant, such as personal injury claims. However, the bill explicitly excludes healthcare malpractice cases (under Title 29) and workers' compensation claims (under Title 50), including testimony about medical ratings or work-related injury determinations. The law amends Tennessee evidence rules to clarify these qualifications and limitations without changing existing case types.

Maddy summaryHB 2158 is a proposed bill that would create the "Tobacco Product Retail Licensing Act," requiring Tennessee's Alcoholic Beverage Commission to license and regulate all retailers selling tobacco products - including cigarettes, cigars, vaping devices, and related accessories. It would prohibit sales unless a retailer holds a valid license under this law, mandate age verification for all sales (21+ only), and specifically regulate delivery sales and "cigar bars" that meet defined criteria. The law would also establish compliance checks using underage testers (ages 16-20) to verify retailers follow age restrictions. This bill directly affects all businesses selling tobacco products in Tennessee, including vape shops, convenience stores, and cigar lounges. If passed, it would shift oversight from multiple agencies to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission for tobacco retail regulation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 756) honoring Nancy Garner for her 50-year career at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). It recognizes her service as an executive assistant in the Military Science Department since 1981, highlighting her dedication to supporting students, faculty, and the Army ROTC program. The resolution was unanimously passed by both legislative chambers in January 2026 and is now transmitted to the Governor for final action. As a non-binding memorial, it has no policy impact or direct effect on laws or constituents.

Maddy summaryHB 2151 requires local governing bodies to post notice of hearings on creating airport authorities on their official websites for at least two weeks before the hearing date. This bill directly affects city councils, county commissions, or other local entities considering establishing new airport authorities. The key provision amends Tennessee law to mandate this online notice period, replacing or supplementing prior notice methods. The change applies to all proceedings under Title 42, Chapter 4 of Tennessee Code regarding airport authorities.