Rep. Scott Cepicky

Maddy summaryHB 2277 requires all Tennessee public schools to annually report every local assessment they administer - including its purpose, subject, grade level, and schedule - to the state education department. This bill eliminates schools' ability to use non-state universal screeners (like reading assessments) and mandates they use only the state-provided Tennessee universal reading screener for K-3 students. The department must create an online database showing all local assessments by school, grade, and subject, making the data publicly accessible before each school year. It also establishes an assessment review board of nine classroom teachers to evaluate the state’s TCAP tests. The bill directly affects every public school and charter school in Tennessee.

Maddy summaryHB 1885 makes certain online gambling platforms illegal by defining "online sweepstakes games" as violations of Tennessee's Consumer Protection Act. These platforms use virtual currency systems that allow players to exchange virtual money for real prizes, misleading consumers into believing they are engaging in legal, free-to-play games. The bill prohibits operating such games, selling gambling devices, or facilitating illegal gambling, treating violations as unfair business practices under consumer protection law. It expands the attorney general's authority to investigate these activities and the sports wagering council's power to probe illegal gambling, while exempting legal sports betting under existing Tennessee law.

Maddy summaryHB 2000 allows private colleges and universities (including religiously affiliated institutions) in Tennessee to operate public charter schools. It removes previous restrictions that barred such institutions from applying to open charter schools, enabling them to submit applications directly to the state charter commission or local school boards. The bill also permits these institutions to give enrollment priority to children of their employees or governing body members, following the same practice used by public universities. This changes existing law by expanding eligibility for charter school sponsors and updating references to "public institutions of higher education" to "postsecondary institutions."

Maddy summaryHB 519 extends the reporting deadline for nonprofits partnering with Tennessee's Governor's Books from Birth Fund. It changes the requirement from a 90-day to a 180-day period after the fiscal year ends for these nonprofits to submit reports on their operations and accomplishments to the governor and legislative leaders. This bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 4, specifically Section 4-52-109, to implement this change in reporting timelines. The adjustment directly affects nonprofit public benefit corporations working with the Books from Birth Fund program.

Maddy summaryHB 1886 requires Tennessee public schools and charter schools to adopt internet acceptable use policies that include specific safety protocols, parental communication guidelines, and restrictions on student access to harmful content like pornography, violence, or self-harm material. The bill specifically prohibits schools from allowing students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade to use school-created email addresses for sending or receiving messages, though schools may create email addresses solely for identifying students in security or grading systems. It mandates annual audits to ensure compliance with these policies and requires third-party digital resource providers to filter prohibited content and verify safety protections. These changes directly affect all Tennessee public schools, charter schools, and digital resource vendors serving pre-K-12 students.

Maddy summaryHB 2276 requires Tennessee's Department of Education to submit an annual report on academic acceleration policy implementation directly to the Senate Education Committee and the relevant House committee, replacing the previous system where reports were sent only upon request. The bill specifically amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 49, Section 49-6-1012(g), to establish this fixed annual reporting requirement. This change directly affects the Department of Education, which must now proactively provide these reports each year. The policy shift simplifies the reporting process by eliminating the need for committees to request reports individually. The bill does not alter academic acceleration policies themselves, only the timing and method of reporting on their implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 29 requires health insurance companies to reimburse chiropractic physicians at the same rate as medical doctors for identical services, using the same payment methodology. It prohibits insurers from creating separate chiropractic codes or rates to avoid this requirement, applying to standard medical coding systems like CPT. The law directly affects chiropractors and insurers, but excludes state Medicaid (TennCare), CoverKids, and government-provided insurance. Key provisions mandate equal reimbursement calculations based on nationally recognized codes, with no impact on existing payment structures for exempt programs. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1884 requires Tennessee's Secretary of State to compile and publish a report by December 31, 2026, showing how many nonprofit registrations were canceled for legal violations in each of the previous three years. The report must be sent to legislative leaders (senate and house chief clerks) and the legislative librarian, using existing resources without new funding. This bill directly affects nonprofits whose registrations were revoked administratively (without court action) but focuses on transparency for lawmakers. The requirement expires on January 1, 2027, making it a temporary reporting measure.

Maddy summaryHB 1833 restructures appointments to Tennessee's Higher Education Commission, requiring the governor, Senate Speaker, and House Speaker each to appoint three voting members (with specific geographic term assignments). It establishes a 75% cap on online course tuition fees compared to in-person equivalents at public universities and sets new on-time graduation targets (3 years for community colleges, 4 for universities) for funding decisions. The bill also allows the commission to approve separate tuition increases for institutions that demonstrate strong on-time graduation rates. These changes apply starting the 2026-2027 academic year and affect all public colleges and universities in Tennessee.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors Judge Bobby Sands as he retires from the Maury County General Sessions Court. The resolution recognizes his more than twenty years of service, which includes his previous roles as a state representative, assistant district attorney, and city judge. It highlights his extensive community involvement and professional achievements, such as his leadership in various legal and civic organizations. The measure does not alter any laws or policies but serves as an official expression of gratitude from the Tennessee General Assembly for his career in public service.