Rep. Paul Sherrell

Maddy summaryHB 1691 clarifies that joint boards formed by two municipalities and two counties under an interlocal agreement for operating an airport gain all powers, duties, and privileges of a regional airport authority under Tennessee law. This directly affects those specific joint boards, recognizing them as public entities with expanded authority to manage airports. The bill amends state code to vest these boards with the full legal standing of a regional airport authority, including the ability to file a charter with the secretary of state as a nonprofit corporation. It requires governance details (like member terms and composition) to be defined solely in the original interlocal agreement, not in the amended statute.

Maddy summaryHB 2221 increases the required notice period for crime victims registered in Tennessee's criminal proceedings notification system from 24 to 36 hours before any hearing related to their case. This change directly affects victims who have opted into the state's notification system to receive updates about criminal cases involving them. The bill amends Tennessee Code Section 40-38-507(b)(1) to implement this longer notice period, affecting how the system communicates with registered victims. The policy change focuses solely on extending the notice window for victims' awareness, with no other provisions or impacts described in the bill text.

Maddy summaryHB 2206 requires Tennessee's Department of Children's Services to send its annual report on "zero to three courts" and "safe baby courts" to the Commission on Children and Youth. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37, by adding the Commission on Children and Youth to the list of entities that receive this report (alongside court officials and legislative committee chairs). This change ensures the Commission receives the report annually, providing transparency about court programs for infants and newborns. The bill does not alter the report's content or create new programs, only adjusting who receives it.

Maddy summaryThis House Joint Resolution formally congratulates Annabella Culwell on being crowned the 2025 Warren County Fairest of the Fair. The bill recognizes her humanitarian work with CASA and other community service efforts but does not establish new laws or require any government action.

Maddy summaryHB 1662 upgrades certain trespass offenses to Class C felonies in Tennessee. Specifically, it increases penalties for "aggravated criminal trespass" when a trespasser encounters a property owner using or displaying a firearm in self-defense. The bill also expands the definition of aggravated trespass to include causing fear for others' safety, damaging barriers to enter property, or recklessly damaging property on-site. This change directly affects individuals committing trespass on private property, particularly in scenarios where owners defend themselves with firearms. The law would take effect July 1, 2026, applying to offenses occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution urging Tennessee's congressional delegation to take action to prevent the closure of the McMinnville VA clinic in Warren County. The resolution highlights that thousands of veterans in the area rely on this facility for medical care and notes the VA's official announcement of the clinic's planned closure by May 31, 2026. It formally requests that federal representatives advocate for keeping the clinic open to continue serving veterans' physical and mental health needs. The document does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official statement of support for the clinic's continued operation.

Maddy summaryHB 2322 requires Tennessee's commissioner of agriculture to annually report all fees, fines, and proceeds from selling seized properties under the Tennessee Apiary Act of 1995 to the chairs of the agriculture committees in both the state Senate and House. This bill directly affects the commissioner and the legislative committees overseeing agriculture. The key provision mandates transparent annual reporting of enforcement revenue collected through beekeeping-related seizures, rather than changing the Apiary Act's substance. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on financial reporting requirements for existing enforcement actions.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 157) honoring James Bennett for his 50 years of service in Warren County, Tennessee public education. It recognizes his career as a teacher, coach, principal, and later as District 1 School Commissioner, emphasizing his dedication to students and community. The resolution formally expresses the Tennessee House of Representatives' appreciation for his "unwavering belief in the potential of every child" and extends "heartfelt wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement." As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2222 changes the deadline for the Tennessee Department of Education to publish a directory of apprenticeship program contacts for public high schools, moving the required date from September 1 to November 1 annually. This affects the Department of Education, which must now compile and post the directory by November 1 instead of September 1, and directly impacts public high schools whose contact information is included in the publication. The bill only modifies the timing of this publication requirement without altering the content or scope of the directory. It is a procedural change to administrative deadlines under Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49.

Maddy summaryHJR 706 is a memorial resolution honoring Tommy Myers, Jr., former Warren County Sheriff who served from 1991 until his retirement in 2022. The resolution commemorates his 30+ years of public service, his advocacy for rehabilitation in the justice system, and his personal life, including his family and motorcycle racing background. It expresses the legislature's condolences to his family and formally recognizes his legacy of integrity and dedication. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding legal effect or policy changes. The resolution was signed by the Governor on May 7, 2025.