Rep. John Clemmons

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors and commends Freely Fest, a music festival held in Nashville, and its presenting organization, the Freedom Forum. The resolution recognizes the event for celebrating music and First Amendment freedoms, highlighting the diverse lineup of performers and the festival's goal of uniting artists and audiences around these rights. By passing this measure, the Tennessee General Assembly expresses its gratitude for the festival's contribution to the state's arts and culture while wishing the organization continued success. The document serves as an official record of appreciation rather than creating new laws or funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee House Joint Resolution honors McCabe Park Little League in West Nashville as it celebrates its 40th anniversary since 1986. The measure formally recognizes the coaches, volunteers, board members, and players who have contributed to the organization's growth and development. It directs the state to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to the league upon request.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution formally commends Stratton Bone, a long-serving Wilson County official and state representative, for his contributions to Tennessee agriculture and local leadership. The bill recognizes the naming of a building at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center in Lebanon as the "Stratton Bone Made in Tennessee Building" to honor his legacy. It highlights his specific achievements, including his role in founding the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program and his service on the House Agriculture Committee. The resolution serves as an official acknowledgment of his public service rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 30 allows English language learner (ELL) students in Tennessee public schools to receive the same language assistance services during standardized tests (like TCAP or end-of-course exams) that they received in their regular classroom during the school year. This applies only to students who already received such support in class and ensures the assistance won’t invalidate their test results. The bill defines "language assistance services" as either help from teachers with ESL endorsements or approved accommodations provided by general education teachers. It takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution formally commends Shamariah Houston for her exemplary service as a legislative intern to Representative John Ray Clemmons. The document recognizes her specific contributions during the 2026 legislative session, which included assisting with newsletters, legislation, press conferences, and addressing constituent concerns. Passed unanimously by the Tennessee House of Representatives, the resolution serves as an official acknowledgment of her dedication and academic achievements rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1767 would exempt the retail sale of food and food ingredients from Tennessee's sales tax for families with qualifying dependents who meet specific income thresholds. Eligible families must apply to the state's Commissioner of Revenue, providing proof of income (such as a federal tax return) to receive a sales tax exemption certificate and wallet-sized card. Retailers would be required to record the exemption account number and maintain documentation to verify the purchaser's eligibility at the point of sale. The exemption applies to food items defined under Tennessee law and would take effect on July 1, 2026, if the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution that formally recognizes Hillsboro High School for winning the Metro Nashville Public Schools High School Battle of the Books competition. The resolution honors the students and their librarian coach, Joyce Claassen, for their achievement in this annual trivia contest that tests knowledge of twelve selected young adult books. It acknowledges the event's role in promoting literacy and teamwork among high school students across the district. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial commendation from the Tennessee General Assembly.

Maddy summaryHB 1769, "The Intercollegiate Student-Athlete Protection Act," creates new criminal offenses for harassment targeting student athletes in Tennessee. It defines "student athlete harassment" as threats or repeated bullying related to athletic performance that causes emotional distress, with first offenses classified as Class A misdemeanors (up to 11 months in jail) and repeat offenses as Class E felonies. The bill grants victims a private right to sue offenders for $75,000 per violation plus actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees. It also clarifies that electronic service providers are not liable for disclosing user data under valid warrants or court orders.

Maddy summaryHB 1458 requires all Tennessee public school districts to provide free breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, starting with the 2026-2027 school year. It directly affects all students in Tennessee public schools and local school districts, mandating that school boards establish these meal programs. The bill specifies that the state will reimburse districts for meal costs after all available federal nutrition program funds (like the National School Lunch Program) have been applied. This policy change ensures universal access to free school meals without requiring additional local funding beyond federal reimbursements.

Maddy summaryHB 1766 requires fiduciaries (like guardians or conservators) managing the affairs of a person with a disability to include the date of their last contact with that person in their annual court reports. This change applies to all guardianship and conservatorship cases overseen by Tennessee courts. The bill mandates that these reports also state whether the person still needs the fiduciary's services, without disclosing confidential medical details. The requirement takes effect on July 1, 2026.