Rep. Mike Sparks

Maddy summaryThis House Joint Resolution honors Jacob Pagel, a student at Middle Tennessee State University, for his exemplary work as a legislative intern for Representative Mike Sparks during the 2026 session. The measure formally commends Pagel for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and dedication to public service while assisting with the legislative process. It specifically acknowledges his ability to overcome challenges and adapt to various situations throughout his internship. The resolution serves as an official recognition of his contributions and expresses good wishes for his future endeavors.

Maddy summaryHB 1790 lowers the minimum age requirement for obtaining a school bus driver endorsement in Tennessee from 25 to 23 years old. It also gives local school boards and public charter school governing bodies the authority to establish additional driver qualification standards focused on student safety. The bill amends specific Tennessee Code sections to implement these changes, allowing districts to set policies beyond the basic age requirement. These updates directly affect new school bus drivers and school districts responsible for hiring and safety protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 2086 would exempt the retail sale of fresh fruits and vegetables for human consumption from Tennessee's 4% food retail sales tax, which currently applies to most food items. This change directly affects grocery stores, farmers' markets, and other retailers selling fresh produce, as well as consumers purchasing these items. The bill amends Tennessee law to specifically remove the tax on fresh fruits and vegetables while leaving the 4% tax in place for other food and food ingredients. The exemption would take effect on July 1, 2026, providing immediate tax relief for these commonly purchased items.

Maddy summaryHB 1678 amends Tennessee law to increase penalties for introducing or possessing contraband in prisons. It raises the felony classification for certain violations (like bringing weapons or drugs) from a Class C to Class B felony, Class D to Class C, or Class E to Class D felony if the act results in another person's death. The bill specifically targets cases involving telecommunication devices (like phones) if death occurs. These changes directly affect individuals who bring prohibited items into correctional facilities, such as inmates, visitors, or staff.

Maddy summaryHB 2401 changes the deadline for Tennessee county legislative bodies to submit an annual report on the use of judicial commissioners from April 1 to April 30. This report must be provided to judges of the general sessions criminal court and chairs of relevant legislative committees. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 40-1-111, solely adjusting the submission timeline without altering the report's content or requirements. This procedural change affects county legislative bodies statewide and applies to annual reporting cycles.

Maddy summaryHB 2256 changes Tennessee's public charter school authorization rules. It prevents charter schools that had their charter renewed through the Tennessee Charter School Commission's appeal process from later agreeing with their local school board to have that board serve as their authorizer. The bill also allows the Commission to set charter renewal terms between 5 and 10 years (instead of automatically using a 10-year term) for schools renewed through Commission approval. These changes directly affect charter schools seeking renewal and local school boards that previously could serve as authorizers.

Maddy summaryHJR 1053 is a symbolic resolution honoring individuals and organizations addressing adolescent mental health, bullying, and social media's impact in Tennessee. It specifically recognizes the "We Live for Riv" movement (inspired by Rivers "Riv" Kelleher's suicide), the Jason Foundation, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds; it solely expresses legislative recognition of these groups' advocacy work. It cites Tennessee's mental health crisis and the disproportionate effects on adolescent girls as context for the honor.

Maddy summaryHB 2087 shortens the reporting deadline for businesses licensed to provide short-term loans or check cashing services (deferred presentment services) from 15 to 10 days after certain events occur. These events include bankruptcy filings, criminal convictions against the business or its leadership, regulatory actions like license revocation, and other incidents the Commissioner of Financial Institutions identifies. The bill applies to all such licensees in Tennessee and modifies existing requirements under Tennessee Code Annotated, Titles 45 and 47. This change requires faster reporting of significant operational or legal events to the state financial regulator.

Maddy summaryHB 2400 extends the time a local agency must hold property seized during a camping violation on public property from 90 to 120 days before it can be claimed or disposed of. This directly affects individuals whose belongings are confiscated after being cited for camping on public land. The bill requires agencies to keep seized items in a secure location during this extended period, unless the property is needed as evidence in a criminal case. The change amends Tennessee law across multiple code sections related to property handling procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 915 amends Tennessee state law to grant eligible full-time employees up to six paid workweeks of leave per year to care for a family member with a serious health condition. This applies to state employees who have worked full-time for at least 12 consecutive months, in addition to existing leave for childbirth or adoption. The bill defines "family member" broadly to include children, parents, spouses, domestic partners, grandparents, and others with close familial ties, and "serious health condition" as requiring hospitalization or ongoing medical treatment. Employees must provide 30 days' notice (or as soon as possible if unexpected) and the leave must be used within 12 months of the qualifying event. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.