Rep. Kip Capley

Maddy summaryHB 2428 raises the penalty for assaulting a first responder (including law enforcement officers) in Tennessee from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. The bill mandates a $10,000 fine and a minimum 60-day jail sentence for such offenses, with no early release during the mandatory period. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 (criminal law) and Title 40 (criminal justice), effective July 1, 2026. This change directly affects individuals convicted of assaulting first responders by increasing the severity of penalties for these crimes.

Maddy summaryHB 1802 amends Tennessee law to lower the standard for using deadly force when protecting property. It allows individuals to use deadly force against others committing trespass, arson, property damage (including livestock), burglary, theft, robbery, or animal cruelty if they reasonably believe it is immediately necessary and non-deadly force would risk death or serious injury to themselves or others. The bill explicitly prohibits using deadly force against someone facing away from the defender. This directly affects property owners and residents defending their homes or belongings against certain criminal acts. The law changes existing self-defense protections by expanding the circumstances where deadly force is permitted for property protection.

Maddy summaryHB 1259 increases the required advance notice period for meetings of the Tennessee Board of Water Quality, Oil, and Gas from five to seven days. This change applies to all regular and special meetings, requiring the board members to be notified at least seven days in advance instead of the current five days. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee law (Titles 7, 63, 65, 68, and 69) to update this procedural requirement. The change is purely administrative and does not affect the board’s substantive duties or decision-making processes.

Maddy summaryHB 1708 requires non-English speaking applicants for Tennessee driver licenses to receive a one-year restricted license (valid only for school, work, or medical appointments) and retake the written test in English to obtain a full license. It also mandates that vehicle owners provide proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or temporary legal status when registering a vehicle. The bill directly affects non-English speaking residents applying for driver licenses and all vehicle owners registering vehicles in Tennessee. These provisions aim to ensure language proficiency for full driver privileges and verify legal status for vehicle registration.

Maddy summaryHB 555 changes Tennessee's burglary law by reclassifying the offense of burglarizing a vehicle (such as a car or truck) from a Class E felony to a Class D felony. This adjustment directly affects individuals convicted of this specific type of burglary, resulting in a less severe criminal classification. The bill also updates related legal references in Tennessee Code to align with this change. It will take effect on July 1, 2025, applying to offenses committed after that date.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution formally honors Sadie Sandrell, a student from Mt. Pleasant High School. It recognizes her designation as a 2026 Top Ten Senior based on her academic performance and extracurricular involvement. The resolution serves to commend her achievements and express the General Assembly's support for her future success.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution that formally honors Olivia O'Neil, a student from Mt. Pleasant High School, for being named a Top Ten Senior in the 2026 graduating class. The resolution commends her academic achievements and extracurricular involvement, recognizing her as an exemplary student within the state of Tennessee. Upon passage, the General Assembly will present a copy of this resolution to the student as a gesture of appreciation for her hard work and success in high school.

Maddy summaryThis House Joint Resolution honors Patch Craig, a student at Collinwood High School named a Top Ten Senior for the 2026 graduating class. The legislation formally recognizes his academic achievements and extends commendation from the Tennessee General Assembly to the student and his family. It authorizes the preparation of a copy of the resolution for presentation to the honoree upon request.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution honors Isabella Arellano, a 2026 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School, for being named a Top Ten Senior. The bill formally recognizes her academic achievements and extracurricular involvement during her high school career. It directs the General Assembly to commend her accomplishments and present a copy of the resolution to her. The measure does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of her success.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution honors Kera Smithson, a student from Mt. Pleasant High School, for being named a Top Ten Senior in the 2026 graduating class. The bill formally commends her academic achievements and extracurricular involvement within the Tennessee General Assembly. It directs the creation of a copy of the resolution to be presented to Ms. Smithson as a gesture of recognition.