Rep. Yusuf Hakeem

Maddy summaryHJR 791 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) for its service to Tennessee's commercial construction industry. It commends CSI's work since 1948 in advancing industry communication, education, certification programs (like Certified Construction Specifier), and standards development through its national network of over 6,000 professionals. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it solely expresses legislative recognition of CSI's contributions. It was passed by both chambers and sent to the governor for signature as a formal commendation.

Maddy summaryHB 2312 clarifies that Tennessee's criminal law against accessing computer systems for fraud or theft explicitly includes cloud computing services. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 39-14-602(a)(1) to add "cloud computing service" to the list of protected systems, alongside existing terms like computer networks and data. This directly affects individuals attempting to commit fraud or theft by accessing cloud-based accounts or services. The bill makes it a criminal offense to knowingly access such services for illicit purposes, updating existing computer crime statutes to address modern digital infrastructure. The bill is currently pending in committee as a proposed law.

Maddy summaryHB 2228 prohibits vape shop retailers, distributors, wholesalers, or importers from selling or offering nitrous oxide (commonly known as "laughing gas") for retail sale in Tennessee. The bill defines "vape shop" as businesses selling electronic smoking devices or vapor products and specifies that selling nitrous oxide as part of these products violates the law. Violators face escalating civil penalties: up to $500 per product for first offenses, increasing to $1,500 per product with license suspension or revocation for repeated violations within a year. Manufacturers causing nitrous oxide to be sold face $10,000 fines per violation. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2311 shortens the deadline for holding criminal sentencing hearings in Tennessee from 45 days to 30 days after a defendant is found guilty. This change directly affects all criminal defendants awaiting sentencing in Tennessee courts, as well as prosecutors and judges managing case timelines. The bill amends Tennessee Code Section 40-35-209(a) to update the statutory time limit, with no other substantive changes to sentencing procedures. The law would take effect on July 1, 2026, as specified in the bill text.

Maddy summaryHB 1726, the "Stable Homes for Foster Youth Act," prohibits housing Tennessee foster children in vehicles, offices, or hotels (except emergency situations under 24 hours) and mandates placements in kinship care, licensed foster families, or small group homes (max 10 children). It limits placement changes to two per year without supervisor approval and requires real-time location tracking to ensure child safety. The bill also mandates annual reports tracking placement types, prohibited housing instances, and the effectiveness of safety measures. These provisions directly affect foster children in Tennessee and the Department of Children's Services, aiming to reduce instability through concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1728 makes it illegal for vape shop retailers, distributors, wholesalers, or importers to sell Kratom or nitrous oxide in Tennessee. The bill directly affects businesses operating vape shops or selling vape-related products, prohibiting them from offering these specific items for retail sale. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $500 per product for first offenses, increasing to $1,500 per product for third violations within a year, with potential license suspension or revocation. Manufacturers causing Kratom or nitrous oxide to be sold face $10,000 penalties per product. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1727 requires Tennessee counties (excluding those with over 800,000 residents or metropolitan governments) and municipalities to provide job-protected unpaid leave for qualifying medical emergencies starting January 1, 2027. It directly affects county and municipal employees who have worked at least 11 months and 3 weeks, meet federal FMLA eligibility, and have no other available leave for the emergency. Key provisions include allowing leave for birth/stillbirth, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, or the employee’s own serious health condition - aligning with federal FMLA standards. The bill amends multiple Tennessee code sections to mandate these policies in employer personnel guidelines.

Maddy summaryHJR 779 is a resolution honoring the Chattanooga Gas Company for its community contributions, including $35,000 in 2024 for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and $64,000 in 2025 for local nonprofits like Forgotten Child and the Community Kitchen. The resolution recognizes the company's long-term service to Chattanooga residents and volunteer efforts, such as 215 service hours in 2024. As a commemorative resolution, it serves as a formal commendation without legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1554 eliminates fees for individuals seeking to restore citizenship rights or obtain a certificate of employability in Tennessee. Specifically, it removes the requirement for petitioners to pay court costs related to citizenship restoration proceedings and employability applications under Tennessee law. The bill amends multiple sections of state code (40-29-103 and 40-29-107) to delete cost-related provisions and redundant language like "certified." This change directly affects people, including formerly incarcerated individuals seeking voting rights or employment clearances, by reducing financial barriers to these processes. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 551 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the Bleyzer Program at Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute (MBMHI) in Chattanooga. The resolution recognizes the program’s innovative approach to helping long-term psychiatric inpatients develop community reintegration skills through a "community living" model, including independent living tasks and meal planning. It highlights the program’s success with 36 graduates and minimal readmissions (only three patients returned for short-term adjustments), earning it the first annual IIPR Award from The Rutgers Institute for Inpatient Psychiatric Rehabilitation.