Rep. Rusty Grills

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 621 honors Marilyn and Vernon Holmes for their 12 years of dedicated service preserving and organizing historical records at the Dyer County Archives. The resolution formally recognizes their hands-on work - cleaning documents, developing workspace layouts, and assisting the public with research - to ensure county records remain accessible for future generations. Passed by the Tennessee General Assembly, this symbolic resolution expresses gratitude for their community-focused contributions to local historical preservation.

Maddy summaryHB 810 allows utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), including all-terrain vehicles and off-highway vehicles, to operate on Tennessee county roads and state highways with speed limits of 45 mph or less, directly affecting UTV owners and operators. Key requirements include vehicle registration, liability insurance, operators being 16+ with a valid driver’s license, mandatory helmet use, daytime operation only, and specific safety equipment like brakes, lights, roll bars, and seat belts. The bill exempts UTVs used for agriculture, on private recreational trails, or by public safety agencies (like law enforcement or wildlife management). It also sets a 35 mph speed limit for UTVs and requires operators to follow standard traffic laws where applicable.

Maddy summaryHB 805 requires Tennessee’s state retirement system (TCRS) and local government pension funds to sell investments in companies majority-owned by China (including its government, military, or affiliated entities) by specific deadlines. The TCRS board and local governing bodies must annually review direct investments by January 15, divesting from any "restricted entities" by December 31 of the same year. If immediate divestment isn’t possible, a written plan must be created by July 1 and implemented by year-end, following fiduciary standards. This law, effective April 24, 2025, applies directly to all state and local pension plans managed under Tennessee Code Title 9, Chapter 4, Part 15.

Maddy summaryTennessee's HB 1188 prohibits public schools and colleges from discriminating against students or employees based on race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, religion, or other protected characteristics. It specifically requires institutions to address antisemitic harassment or discrimination identically to discrimination based on race, using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism. The bill mandates that all public K-12 schools and colleges designate a Title VI coordinator to monitor antisemitism, investigate complaints, and report annually to the state legislature. It also clarifies that criticism of Israel is not antisemitic and ensures the law aligns with federal civil rights protections. The law took effect on April 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) honoring Dyersburg State Community College for being named "College of the Year" by the Tennessee Board of Regents' SOAR Awards. The resolution recognizes the college's achievements in student success and community impact under its leadership, as highlighted by the annual SOAR Awards that celebrate community college excellence. It has no legal effect or direct impact on individuals or policies - it is purely a symbolic expression of legislative praise.

Maddy summaryHJR 656 is a commemorative resolution honoring Jon Caden Keeling for graduating high school one year early while working full-time and maintaining academic excellence. It recognizes his community service, family ministry involvement, and aspirations in youth ministry. The resolution, signed by the Governor on April 22, 2025, serves solely as a symbolic honor with no policy changes or legal effect - it does not impact any laws, regulations, or specific groups. This is a ceremonial gesture by the Tennessee General Assembly, not a substantive legislative action.

Maddy summaryHJR 514 is a commemorative resolution honoring John Hamilton, a Dyersburg resident and public servant who passed away. It recognizes his roles as a business owner, Dyer County Building and Zoning Board member, and Tennessee Alcohol and Beverage Commission appointee, alongside his family dedication and community service. The resolution expresses the legislature's sympathy to his family and formally memorializes his legacy of integrity. As a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill), it has no legal effect or direct impact on constituents or laws.

Maddy summaryHB 801 removes a specific energy efficiency requirement for low-sloped roofs in Tennessee. It amends state law to clarify that the International Energy Conservation Code's roof solar reflectance and thermal emittance rules no longer apply to such roofs starting July 1, 2025. This change directly affects builders, developers, and homeowners constructing or renovating low-sloped roofs across Tennessee. The bill achieves this by adding a new provision to Tennessee Code Title 68, Chapter 120, eliminating the requirement without creating new rules. The law became effective April 3, 2025, with the policy change taking effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commends the Dyer County Rescue Squad for its 50 years of volunteer service to the community. It recognizes their work in emergency response (including vehicle extrication, water rescue, and disaster support), their role as an all-volunteer nonprofit, and their collaboration with local emergency agencies. The resolution has no policy or funding provisions - it is purely a ceremonial honor for the squad's anniversary.

Maddy summaryHJR 328 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Holden Farms in Obion County for receiving the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association's Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award. It recognizes the Holden family's fifth-generation farm for sustainable practices like using poultry litter as organic fertilizer, maintaining wildlife habitats, and preserving century-old farmland. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely a symbolic commendation passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor. It directly affects only Holden Farms, acknowledging their environmental stewardship as a model for family farms. This is a procedural resolution, not a law changing regulations or funding.