Rep. Gloria Johnson

Maddy summaryHB 1218 would exempt menstrual hygiene products from Tennessee's sales and use tax, effective July 1, 2025. The bill specifically covers all products used for menstruation, including tampons, pads, liners, cups, and douches - both reusable and disposable. This change would reduce costs for individuals purchasing these essential hygiene products in Tennessee, directly affecting consumers who buy such items. The legislation defines "menstrual hygiene product" to ensure clear coverage under the tax exemption.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution formally commends Erin Craven for her exemplary service as a legislative intern for Representatives Gloria Johnson and Sam McKenzie during the 2026 session. The document highlights her academic background, community volunteer work, and specific contributions to the legislative process as evidence of her dedication. By passing with unanimous support, the resolution serves as an official acknowledgment of her performance and expresses good wishes for her future career.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 143 honors Dr. Ashleigh Elain McKinzie, a tenured sociology and women's studies professor at Middle Tennessee State University who was fatally shot on December 4, 2025. The resolution extends condolences to her family, students, colleagues, and the university community, recognizing her contributions to education and advocacy for social justice. It does not create new laws or affect any group through policy changes, as it is a non-binding memorial statement. The resolution was introduced by Representative Johnson and referred to the Criminal Justice Subcommittee in January 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1939 (amending TCA Section 37-5-132) changes Tennessee's child welfare caseload rules by limiting case managers to no more than 12 active cases involving 12 families (for initial investigations) or 20 monitored children (for ongoing services). It requires the Department of Children's Services to resolve each active case within 12 months, and if unresolved, mandates a juvenile court hearing to set specific resolution steps. This directly affects child welfare case managers, families involved in ongoing cases, and juvenile courts handling unresolved cases. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHR 144 is a Tennessee House resolution urging the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to immediately release remaining Epstein-related files required by law, including flight logs, communications, financial records, and identities of individuals connected to Epstein's crimes. It directly addresses the federal government, citing the DOJ's failure to meet a court-ordered deadline for disclosure. The resolution emphasizes that transparency is essential for justice, protecting victims, and upholding Tennessee's values regarding accountability for sexual exploitation. While non-binding, it calls on Tennessee's congressional delegation to support federal efforts to compel the file release.

Maddy summaryHB 2248 establishes a Tennessee minimum wage of $20 per hour for most employees, effective January 1, 2027. Starting January 1, 2028, the wage will automatically increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), rounded to the nearest five cents, with no decreases even if inflation drops. Employers must post wage rules visibly and face civil liability for violations, including triple damages for unpaid wages, with employees able to sue within 2 years (or 3 years for willful violations). This bill directly affects all Tennessee employers covered under state wage laws, amending multiple sections of Tennessee Code to implement these changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1940 makes records of certain eviction court cases confidential after specific conditions are met. It applies to unlawful detainer actions (landlord-tenant eviction cases) filed on or after July 1, 2026, that were dismissed, have no pending appeals, and either have passed three years since filing or have written agreement from all parties to shield records. The bill requires courts to keep these records private, removing them from public inspection under Tennessee law. This change affects landlords and tenants in dismissed eviction cases by limiting public access to their court records after the specified time or agreement. The bill does not alter eviction procedures or outcomes, only the accessibility of dismissed case records.

Maddy summaryHB 2249 prohibits U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from entering or conducting law enforcement activities in healthcare facilities, physician offices, or shelters within Tennessee. It defines these locations to include hospitals, mental health institutions, licensed medical offices, and shelters providing temporary housing for homeless individuals or domestic violence survivors. The bill directly restricts ICE operations in these settings by amending Tennessee state law to create this prohibition, without altering existing federal immigration authority.

Maddy summaryHB 2247 requires private schools participating in Tennessee's education savings account, individualized education account, or education freedom scholarship programs to publish specific information (like lesson plans and library collections) on their websites. It mandates these schools ensure all teachers hold valid public school teaching licenses, evaluate educators using public school standards, and administer state-mandated tests (including TCAP assessments and reading screeners) to students in these programs. The bill also requires the Tennessee Department of Education to assign letter grades to participating private schools based on student performance. These provisions directly affect private schools enrolled in voucher programs, aiming to align accountability measures with public school requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1938 prohibits Tennessee state agencies and local governments (counties, cities, or metropolitan governments) from entering new contracts or renewing existing contracts for private prisons. It directly affects entities currently using private facilities to house inmates under the custody of the Tennessee Department of Correction or local governments. The bill amends Tennessee law to ban all new or renewed agreements for correctional services or facilities for these inmates, effective upon enactment. This bill is currently pending in the State & Local Government Committee after being introduced in early 2026.