Rep. Yusuf Hakeem

Maddy summaryHJR 549 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to formally commend Audrey Fairman for her exemplary service as a legislative intern during the 2025 session. It specifically recognizes her work supporting Representative Yusuf Hakeem, her academic achievements as a law and politics student at Freed-Hardeman University, and her contributions to the legislative process. This non-binding resolution does not create new policies or affect any laws - it solely expresses the legislature's appreciation through a symbolic gesture. The resolution was unanimously approved by both chambers and signed by the Governor on April 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1004 requires Tennessee's Department of Education to award grants to local school districts operating schools in counties with juvenile offense rates at least 10% higher than the statewide rate. These grants fund after-school programs for all K-12 students in qualifying districts, with programs required to include educational activities. Districts must submit applications showing eligibility, partner with approved nonprofits if needed, and report annually on program reach and outcomes. Funding is allocated based on the proportion of eligible students served across all qualifying districts, subject to annual appropriations.

Maddy summaryHB 1005 prohibits Tennessee public schools and charter schools from suspending or expelling students in pre-kindergarten through second grade (pre-K-2) except when their behavior endangers others' physical safety. If safety is threatened, schools may suspend a pre-K-2 student for up to three days only after providing a cooling-off period and holding a meeting with the student, teacher, and parent/guardian to address underlying issues. The bill requires principals to notify parents on the day of any such suspension. It directly affects pre-K-2 students in Tennessee public schools and charter schools, applying to the 2025-2026 school year and beyond.

Maddy summaryHB 407 would create a $250 grant program for full-time students enrolled at Tennessee public colleges who voluntarily get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). To qualify, students must provide their school with proof of testing that complies with privacy laws like HIPAA. The grant funds can only be used for tuition, mandatory fees, textbooks, or course materials related to their studies. The program requires future legislative funding to activate and would begin for the 2026-2027 academic year if approved.

Maddy summaryHB 89 amends Tennessee law to require peace officers providing security outside their primary jurisdiction to follow uniform notification and uniform requirements statewide, rather than only in certain counties. This change directly affects peace officers working in temporary security roles across Tennessee, ensuring consistent standards regardless of location. The bill removes the existing county-specific limitation in the law (by deleting subsection (c) of TCA § 62-35-141), extending the requirement to all counties. The bill failed in committee on March 5, 2025, and did not advance further.

Maddy summaryHB 396 would change Tennessee's housing law by shortening the required deed restriction period for affordable multi-family housing built under voluntary incentive programs. Instead of requiring affordability "in perpetuity," the bill would limit these restrictions to at least 30 years. This directly affects developers and property owners participating in the state's attainable housing incentive program. The bill failed in committee on February 19, 2025, and did not advance further. (Amends TCA Title 13, Chapter 3, Section 13-3-603(f).)

Maddy summaryHB 58 requires Tennessee law enforcement agencies to contact a job candidate's previous law enforcement employers as part of verifying their "good moral character" during hiring. This applies directly to police departments and sheriff's offices when vetting new officers or special deputies. The bill amends Tennessee law to mandate this specific step in the background check process. As a procedural change to hiring requirements, it does not alter substantive law or create new penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 1068 creates a Community Grant Advisory Board within Tennessee's Department of Human Services to manage a new grant program supporting community-based nonprofit organizations. The bill establishes a special fund in the state general budget, initially appropriating $1 million to award grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving communities in education, health, housing, social services, or economic development. Grants require applicants to demonstrate need, outline project plans, and prioritize community-driven solutions, with priority given to organizations led by community members they serve. The board must report annually on fund usage and recipient progress, with unspent funds carried forward annually.

Maddy summaryHB 59, currently withdrawn as of January 27, 2025, would prohibit life insurance issuers from collecting additional premiums once a policyholder has paid total premiums equal to the policy's coverage amount. This applies to policies issued, amended, or renewed on or after July 1, 2025, directly affecting policyholders of qualifying life insurance. The key provision requires insurers to stop requesting further payments after the cumulative premiums paid reach the coverage value, effective July 1, 2025. The bill amends Tennessee Code Title 56 regarding life insurance regulations.

Maddy summaryThis Tennessee law allows certain struggling schools to leave the state's school turnaround pilot program early if they have not met specific performance goals by the end of the 2023-2024 school year. To qualify for this early exit, a school must be designated as a Title I school, serve students in grades six through eight, and be unable to meet the state's required exit criteria. When a school exits the program, the local school board must formally notify the state education commissioner and the independent turnaround expert, which immediately ends the school's turnaround committee. Additionally, the law ensures that the independent turnaround expert is paid only for services rendered up to the date of the school's exit, preventing further charges for future services.