Rep. David Hawk

Maddy summaryHB 2359 proposes to expand Tennessee's definition of "consumable material" to include all liquid nicotine solutions (natural and synthetic) and nicotine analogues used in vapor products. This change affects vapor product sellers, particularly those selling to individuals under 21, by requiring the Alcoholic Beverage Commission to issue fines for underage sales instead of other agencies. The bill also clarifies that "vapor products" include devices like e-cigarettes and their cartridges, while excluding FDA-regulated products. These amendments aim to align tax and enforcement policies with current vapor product technology. The bill is currently under review by the Business & Utilities Subcommittee.

Maddy summaryHB 2366 prevents Tennessee local governments (cities, towns, or counties) from blocking access to designated tourism development zones, except during emergencies or for large events with approved contracts. The bill ensures businesses within these zones can receive deliveries and visitors can freely enter and exit. It specifically prohibits local authorities from disrupting traffic flow, blocking streets, or restricting taxis/public transit access within these zones. The law applies to all tourism zones created through local ordinances.

Maddy summaryHB 2358 requires Tennessee's Department of Human Resources to annually transfer funds from the TANF rainy-day fund to the child care development fund (CCDF). This transfer must cover child care assistance through the "Smart Steps" program for families who qualify but cannot receive help due to insufficient CCDF funding. The bill limits transfers to 30% of the rainy-day fund (per federal rules) and mandates annual public reports detailing CCDF balances and expenditures. It directly affects low-income families seeking child care assistance and the state's child care funding system.

Maddy summaryHB 2313 authorizes Tennessee's Department of Health to establish a voluntary, home-based mental health program for children from birth to age five and their families. It directly affects families facing stressors like poverty, trauma, or parental mental health challenges by providing evidence-based home visits from licensed clinicians. Key provisions include home-based therapy, care coordination to connect families with services, developmental assessments, and strict quality standards to ensure program effectiveness. The program must prioritize at-risk families, coordinate with existing services, and report annually on outcomes and funding to the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 2360 requires Tennessee counties to receive equal portions of 30% of revenue from taxes on vapor products, specifically for youth nicotine prevention programs and services. The bill amends Tennessee Code Section 67-4-1025(f) to mandate this allocation, directing funds to be deposited with the state treasurer and distributed equally to all counties. It directly affects all Tennessee counties by providing dedicated funding for local prevention efforts targeting youth nicotine use. The policy takes effect July 1, 2026, with funds to be used exclusively for prevention programs, not other purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 2361, "The Mint Act," establishes a state-run precious metals enterprise fund administered by Tennessee's treasurer. The fund will use $50 million in fiscal year 2027 to acquire gold and silver bullion, convert it into coin-like specie (bullion products), and store 90% as a long-term inflation hedge while selling up to 10% to residents and others to build brand reputation. Key provisions require the treasurer to contract with a Tennessee-based toll converter for bullion conversion within 12 months, prioritize in-state sales, and maintain strict security and reporting for fund operations. The bill directly affects state treasury operations and finances, creating a dedicated mechanism for managing precious metals as a financial asset.

Maddy summaryHB 2363 reduces the annual professional privilege tax for attorneys in Tennessee from $400 to $200. This change applies specifically to attorneys licensed under Tennessee Code §67-4-1702(1) or (2), directly affecting licensed attorneys who pay this tax. The tax reduction takes effect for privilege taxes due after May 31, 2027, meaning the lower rate applies to taxes paid for tax years beginning on or after June 1, 2027. The bill amends Tennessee Code §67-4-1703 to reflect this change in tax rates.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how sales tax revenue from tires and motor vehicles is allocated in Tennessee. Instead of 100% going to the highway fund, 95.3970% of the revenue from new and used tires and new and used motor vehicles will go to the highway fund, with the remaining 4.6030% allocated to incorporated municipalities based on population. Certain tax revenues (from specific rate increases) will continue to be allocated as they currently are. The bill applies to revenue collected on or after October 1, 2026, and affects transportation funding and local municipality allocations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors Sapana Das, the 2026 Valedictorian of Chuckey-Doak High School in Tennessee. The resolution recognizes her academic achievements, including earning an associate degree from Walters State Community College while maintaining a 4.54 grade point average, and acknowledges her leadership in FFA and extensive community service. The bill does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial commendation to acknowledge her accomplishments and extend official recognition from the Tennessee General Assembly.

Maddy summaryHB 2364 allows designated school employees (who complete specific training) to conduct physical searches of students and their belongings like lockers or vehicles in certain safety situations. It changes parent notification rules: schools must now only inform parents within 48 hours of a threat if the school district determines it's credible after a threat assessment, not for every reported threat. The bill also clarifies that reporting threats to school resource officers or security staff doesn't trigger the 48-hour notification requirement. This applies to all Tennessee public schools and requires school districts to report quarterly on the number of credible threats that required parent notification.