A spokesman for Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett said whether State Rep. Matthew Hill, R- Jonesborough, should have registered or disclosed his business with the state depends upon what kind of business it is.
This, on the same day The Tennessean published an article saying Hill has not registered or disclosed his international Christian magic supply company with state officials.
“Corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships (LPs), and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) are required to register and submit reporting documents to our office under various corporate laws,” Dodd told The Tennessee Star in an emailed statement late Thursday afternoon, right before the office closed for the day.
“If a business is a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, it is not required to register with our office. Many small businesses operate under one of these models.”
Dodd did not elaborate further as to whether Hill was still supposed to register his particular business with the state.
According to the website for Hill’s business, the Dock Haley Gospel Magic Company, the business sells Christian merchandise “to help win the souls of the lost!”
The website does not appear to specify whether the business is a sole proprietorship, a general partnership, a corporation, an LLC, an LP, or a limited liability partnership.
Hill told The Tennessean he has “never made a dime off” the company. He also said money generated goes back to the person he purchased the business from a couple of years ago.
“It’s mine and my wife’s ministry is what it is,” The Tennessean quoted Hill as saying.
A representative from the Washington County clerk’s office who reached out to the state Department of Revenue told The Tennessean “the state department had no record of a business license for or dealings with Dock Haley Gospel Magic.”
As The Star reported, Hill wants to replace outgoing Tennessee Republican Speaker of the House Glen Casada. Hill, who is also the deputy house speaker, announced his interest in replacing Casada last month.
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “State Rep Matthew Hill” by Matthew Hill.
If “TN Lawmaker” Andrew Farmer can own a liquor store (and having the license suddenly transferred to his new wife mid-campaign means he still holds a compelling interest) and then represent you for your DUI after you buy from his liquor store, surely Hill can own a magic shop with his wife.
Can someone please make The Tennessean “disappear?” I sick and tired of “fake news” trying to manipulate everything about our lives.