Rep. Mike Sparks

Maddy summaryHB 66 amends Tennessee's public records law to expand an exception protecting residential information for public employees. It directly affects state, county, municipal, and other public employees by adding their street address, city, state, and zip code to the list of protected details under public records requests. The bill replaces existing language in TCA Section 10-7-504(f)(1)(D) to explicitly include these address elements as exempt information. This change prevents public disclosure of employees' home addresses in response to public records requests, effective April 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 553 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the Stewarts Creek High School Band for performing at the 2025 Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C. It commends the band's musical excellence, community service, and role as Tennessee ambassadors, highlighting their achievements including multiple awards and selections to prestigious music events. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a formal expression of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 129 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Tennessee House of Representatives to formally commend Paul F. Tuttobene for his lifetime of service, including military service (1953-1957), a career as a senior vice president at Manufacturers Hanover Trust, and dedication to family values. The resolution, adopted unanimously with 86 ayes and 0 nays, recognizes his contributions as a first-generation college graduate, veteran, and community-oriented citizen. It serves as a symbolic honor to be presented to Mr. Tuttobene, with no policy changes or direct impact on laws or constituents.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 130 is a symbolic resolution adopted unanimously by the Tennessee House of Representatives to honor Mary Jane Skinner of La Vergne for her 32-year career as a cafeteria worker in Rutherford County Schools, her volunteer work with the La Vergne Rescue Unit since 1974, and her decades of community service through organizations like the Parent Teacher Organization and La Vergne Senior Citizens Group. The resolution specifically recognizes her contributions to education, emergency response, civic engagement, and family life, including her role as a great-great-grandmother. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal tribute to her community impact. The resolution was passed on April 21, 2025, with 86 ayes and 0 nays.

Maddy summaryHJR 127 is a ceremonial resolution designating the week of March 2, 2025, as "Tennessee Music Therapy Week." It recognizes the value of music therapy - defined as clinical use of music to improve emotional, social, and cognitive well-being - and highlights Tennessee’s 173 board-certified music therapists and educational programs. The resolution has no policy or funding impact; it simply commemorates the field through a symbolic observance. It was signed into law by Governor Bill Lee on April 15, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 67 requires Tennessee's Department of Education to annually report the number of students who complete early high school graduation programs to the relevant legislative education committees by September 1 each year. This bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, specifically adding a new reporting requirement under Section 49-6-8103. The report directly affects the Department of Education, which must compile and submit the data, and the education committees in both chambers of the legislature. It creates no new eligibility rules for students but mandates transparency about early graduation participation rates.

Maddy summaryHJR 492 is a symbolic joint resolution recognizing Mary Patterson Watkins for her decades of community service and achievements. It formally commends her work as a retired educator (named Teacher of the Year for both Riverdale High School and Rutherford County Schools), her founding of the African American Heritage Society of Rutherford County (which led to historical markers and monuments), and her receipt of numerous awards including the Trailblazer in Education Award and African American Heritage Society Founders Award. The resolution does not create legal obligations or policy changes - it is solely an expression of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly.

Maddy summaryHJR 131 is a symbolic resolution (not binding legislation) passed by the Tennessee House of Representatives. It acknowledges research showing children benefit from positive male role models in education, citing improved academic performance, social skills, and emotional well-being. The resolution urges Tennessee schools, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based groups to expand mentorship programs connecting students with male role models. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or mandate actions - only formally recognizes the value of such mentorship opportunities.

Maddy summaryHJR 179 is a resolution passed by the Tennessee House of Representatives that recognizes the mental health impacts of social media on K-12 students. It does not create new laws but expresses legislative support for addressing these issues through potential policy actions, such as age restrictions on social media platforms, digital well-being education in schools, and promoting free play opportunities for children. The resolution cites research linking excessive screen time to rising anxiety and depression among youth, while emphasizing the need for community and parental initiatives to foster healthier development.

Maddy summaryHJR 312 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Corporal Ray Cobb for his 36-year career at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. It commends his service, notes the facility's growth during his tenure, and acknowledges his family support. The resolution formally recognizes his retirement without creating any new laws or affecting policies. It was passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor in March 2025.