Rep. Jason Powell

Maddy summaryHB 2210 requires Tennessee's Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) to provide the state legislature with specific recommendations on disaster preparedness, prevention, and mitigation. The bill directs TEMA to propose measures aimed at eliminating emergencies or reducing their impact, as well as improving disaster response capabilities. This applies directly to TEMA, which must develop these recommendations, and the General Assembly, which will review them. The bill amends existing Tennessee law (TCA Title 58) to formalize this requirement, without creating new regulations or funding. It focuses on strengthening proactive planning rather than reactive measures.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution honors the Japan Men's National Team for choosing Nashville, Tennessee, as its base camp and training site for the 2026 World Cup. The measure formally recognizes the team's use of the Nashville SC Training Center and acknowledges the economic benefits and global soccer reputation that this partnership brings to the region. It expresses appreciation for the collaboration between the state, the city, and the Japanese delegation while celebrating the upcoming international sporting event.

Maddy summaryHJR 1405 is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors the Spain Men's National Team for choosing Tennessee and Chattanooga to host their training base camp for the 2026 World Cup. The bill acknowledges the local partnership between Baylor School, Vision Hospitality Group, Hamilton County, and the Sports and Events Corporation that secured this designation for the team. It also recognizes the University of Tennessee's role in preparing high-quality playing surfaces for the event. As a commemorative measure, the resolution does not alter existing laws or policies but serves to celebrate the team's selection and the upcoming World Cup.

Maddy summaryThis House Joint Resolution formally honors the Valor College Prep Wildcats girls' volleyball team for winning the 2025 TSSAA Division I, Class AA state championship. The bill serves as a symbolic recognition of the team's athletic accomplishment and does not establish new laws or policy requirements.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution honors the long-standing friendship and partnership between the State of Tennessee and the Federal Republic of Germany. It acknowledges the economic, cultural, and educational ties between the two nations, highlighting specific collaborations such as German investment in Tennessee's automotive industry and various sister-city agreements. The resolution formally welcomes continued cooperation in areas like trade, workforce development, and cultural exchange, and directs copies of the document to German diplomatic representatives and business organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors the memory of Lawrence Richard Ahern III, a respected attorney and community leader from Tennessee. The resolution recognizes his contributions to the legal profession, his military service, and his roles as a husband, father, and volunteer. It expresses the General Assembly's sympathy to his family and formally records his legacy of integrity and public service. No new laws or policies are created; the measure serves solely as a commemorative tribute.

Maddy summaryHB 1289 changes the deadline for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to submit an annual report on Reelfoot Lake natural area administration, shifting it from January 8 to January 31 each year. This bill directly affects the agency’s administrative process by extending the submission timeframe for this specific report. The key provision is a simple date adjustment in Tennessee Code, with no new requirements or policy changes beyond the revised deadline. The bill is procedural in nature, focusing solely on the timing of an existing reporting obligation.

Maddy summaryHB 2212, titled the "Fourth Amendment is Not for Sale Act," prohibits Tennessee state and local government employees or contractors from purchasing or licensing personal data from companies instead of obtaining a warrant when legally required to do so. It creates a Class B misdemeanor offense for violations, with exceptions for emergency services, preventing imminent danger to individuals or the public, obtaining written consent, or complying with federal law. The law directly affects government entities handling sensitive data, ensuring they follow warrant procedures rather than bypassing them through data purchases. Key provisions clarify that "controller" (data companies) and "sensitive data" follow existing definitions in Tennessee law.

Maddy summaryHB 2209, the "Federal Enforcement Accountability and Community Protection Act," requires Tennessee law enforcement to report federal enforcement actions causing death or serious injury (a "critical incident") to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) within 24 hours. It mandates the TBI to conduct independent reviews of such incidents, publish findings within 90 days, and report annually on state resource involvement. The law prohibits state/local agencies from providing non-emergency resources to federal agencies during these incidents until the review is complete. This directly affects Tennessee law enforcement agencies and federal agencies operating in the state, focusing on transparency and accountability for federal actions impacting residents.

Maddy summaryHB 2001 modifies Tennessee's criminal law for HIV exposure by adding a new defense for people with HIV who are charged with criminal exposure. If a person with HIV can prove they were following their healthcare provider's prescribed treatment to medically suppress transmission risk, this becomes a valid defense in court. The defense must be proven by showing it is more likely than not true (a "preponderance of evidence"). This directly affects individuals with HIV facing criminal charges related to potential exposure, changing how such cases are evaluated under current law.