Rep. Torrey Harris

Maddy summaryHB 1380 simplifies property tax relief for Tennessee homeowners aged 85 or older who have received tax relief for five consecutive years. It removes the requirement for these taxpayers to submit annual income reports to maintain eligibility, while still requiring them to meet the existing income threshold (currently $10,000 annually) and other eligibility criteria. The bill mandates creating a streamlined reapplication process - allowing seniors to confirm eligibility via a simple online or mail form with checkbox options. This change directly affects qualifying elderly homeowners who currently navigate annual paperwork, aiming to reduce administrative burden without altering the core relief program's requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2343 increases the amount of personal and professional leave teachers in Tennessee accumulate, changing the rate from one day per half-year to two days per half-year. This directly affects K-12 teachers and school personnel covered under Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 49-5-711 and 49-5-205. The bill amends these sections to require local school boards to allow teachers two days of leave for each half-year worked, up from the current one-day rate. The change will take effect on July 1, 2026, if passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally commends Indian Clay for her service as a legislative intern to Representative Torrey C. Harris. The resolution recognizes her academic achievements at LeMoyne-Owen College and highlights her contributions to the work of the Tennessee General Assembly during the 2026 session. By passing this measure, the legislature acknowledges her dedication and extends good wishes for her future career in law and policy. The document is a ceremonial honor rather than a law that changes government operations or imposes new rules.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee House Joint Resolution formally commends Taylor Sinclair for her work as a legislative intern for Representative Torrey C. Harris during the 2026 session. The bill recognizes her academic achievements at Tennessee State University and her contributions to the legislative process, noting her dedication and performance in her role. It is a ceremonial document that does not create new laws or policies but serves to honor an individual's service to the General Assembly.

Maddy summaryHB 2034 allows municipal courts in Tennessee to order a municipality to fix property maintenance violations when the property owner fails to correct the issue within 30 days of a court finding. This directly affects property owners who neglect maintenance and municipalities responsible for enforcing local property codes. The bill requires the municipality to cover remediation costs, which are then added as a legal claim (lien) against the property owner’s property. It amends multiple Tennessee code sections governing municipal courts and property ordinances. The law would take effect upon becoming law, aiming to ensure timely resolution of property violations.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee House Joint Resolution commemorates National Pencil Day on March 30, 2026, to recognize the pencil's historical and educational significance. The measure acknowledges the pencil's role in fostering creativity, education, and written communication throughout history, highlighting its evolution from early graphite discoveries to modern designs with erasers. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about this writing instrument's enduring value even in the digital age. It is a ceremonial observance without policy changes or funding requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2032, the "Higher Education Purchasing Act," allows private nonprofit colleges and universities in Tennessee (including minority-serving institutions) to access the state's existing procurement contracts on the same terms and pricing as public universities. This means eligible private institutions can buy supplies and services - like office equipment or software - at the discounted rates currently available to public schools, reducing their costs. The bill requires vendors to charge private institutions the same price as public ones and prohibits retaliation against institutions that join the program. It also establishes a simple enrollment process with no fees for private schools and ensures the policy won’t raise state costs or reduce public institution access.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors Dr. Christiane Buggs, executive director of Nashville PENCIL, for her work supporting Metro Nashville Public Schools. The resolution recognizes her long history with the district, including her service as a teacher, school board member, and board chair, alongside her current leadership in connecting community resources to help students succeed. It designates March 30, 2026, as the date to present this recognition and includes a ceremonial copy of the resolution for presentation to Dr. Buggs. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of her contributions to education in Tennessee.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution that formally honors and recognizes PENCIL, a nonprofit organization in Nashville that supports Metro Nashville Public Schools through community partnerships. The resolution acknowledges PENCIL's forty-four-year history of connecting schools with businesses, volunteers, and resources to help over 79,000 students, including specific programs like a free educator supply center and tutoring services. Passed unanimously by the House, the resolution expresses appreciation for PENCIL's staff and volunteers and designates March 30, 2026, as a day to celebrate their contributions to education in the Nashville community.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 908 designates March 4, 2026, as HPV Awareness Day in Tennessee to raise public awareness about human papillomavirus (HPV) and the importance of vaccination for preventing HPV-related cancers. The resolution highlights that HPV is a common virus linked to cervical and oropharyngeal cancers - which occur at higher rates in Tennessee than the national average - and notes that vaccination coverage remains below optimal levels despite being recommended for ages 9-26. As a symbolic commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or requirements but aims to support public health efforts by drawing attention to existing prevention programs like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's HPV Cancer Prevention Program. This resolution serves as a non-binding recognition to encourage broader discussion about HPV vaccination and cancer prevention strategies.