Rep. Esther Helton-Haynes

Maddy summaryHB 490 prevents the removal or disqualification of municipal judges who were lawfully elected or appointed before March 7, 2025, even if they later no longer meet residency requirements during their term. The bill protects these judges from being forced out of office due to residency changes that occur after their appointment, as long as they met all qualifications at the time of election. It amends multiple Tennessee code sections related to courts (Titles 8, 16-29) to ensure this protection applies to judges serving under existing laws. The law took effect on May 21, 2025, after being signed by the Governor. This policy change directly affects municipal judges in Tennessee who were appointed or elected prior to the specified date.

Maddy summaryHB 1242 amends Tennessee law to protect 340B entities - such as safety-net hospitals and clinics participating in the federal 340B drug discount program - from restrictive practices by drug manufacturers. It prohibits manufacturers from denying 340B drug access, imposing extra data requirements (like health information or purchasing data), interfering with contracts, or requiring claim reversals beyond federal rules. Violations carry a $50,000 civil penalty per violation, enforceable by the state commissioner or attorney general. The law ensures Tennessee regulations align with federal 340B program requirements without conflicting with them. This directly affects 340B entities and drug manufacturers operating in Tennessee.

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding resolution (HJR 147), not a bill that creates new law. It expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's support for regulating or banning Kratom sales in the state. The resolution cites concerns about Kratom's opioid-like effects, lack of safety oversight, and documented overdose cases (including 2,000+ nationwide from 2021-2023). It does not impose new regulations itself but formally endorses future legislative action to restrict Kratom, which is currently sold in convenience stores as an unregulated "herbal supplement."

Maddy summaryHB 466 requires Tennessee medical laboratories to ensure a medical laboratory supervisor is available for consultations during all hours tests are performed. It prohibits labs from mandating that supervisors be physically present on-site at all times. This bill directly affects all medical laboratories operating under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 68. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1239 clarifies that only physicians licensed in Tennessee may prescribe buprenorphine for FDA-approved uses in opioid recovery or medication-assisted treatment. It also establishes new requirements for non-Tennessee-licensed healthcare providers (such as those working in correctional facilities) to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder: they must hold a federal DEA registration, be employed by or contract with a correctional facility or jail, and have clinical protocols for medication-assisted treatment. The bill revises existing law to limit prescribing authority while creating specific pathways for correctional healthcare providers. It takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1240 requires Tennessee insurance companies to offer an annual discount on homeowners or renters insurance policies to policyholders who secure all firearms at their property in a firearm safe or use a firearm safety device. The discount applies only if the policyholder specifically requests it and meets the safety requirements. Insurance companies must include information about this discount in policyholders' regular billing notices. The law applies to policies issued, renewed, or amended on or after July 1, 2025, and does not require policyholders to disclose firearm ownership.

Maddy summaryHB 1241 defines two medical scenarios where a physician performing an abortion is not considered to commit criminal abortion: (1) when preventing maternal death or a "serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function" (e.g., preeclampsia, but excluding mental health conditions), and (2) when addressing a "lethal fetal anomaly" (a condition diagnosed before 24 weeks that is incompatible with life outside the womb). For lethal fetal anomalies, the bill requires two physician concurrences in writing, documentation of perinatal care options offered to the patient, and specifies that abortions or premature deliveries must be performed to avoid fetal demise or maternal health risks. The law applies to licensed physicians in licensed facilities and amends multiple Tennessee Code sections related to women’s health.

Maddy summaryHJR 148 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Bea's Restaurant in Chattanooga for its 75th anniversary. It recognizes the restaurant's history since 1950, its family ownership spanning four generations (the Steeles and Bradshaws), and its role as a community gathering place serving Southern cuisine. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply expresses the General Assembly's commendation for the restaurant's service, longevity, and contribution to Chattanooga's culture. This is a purely symbolic gesture with no impact on laws, regulations, or affected parties.

Maddy summaryHB 464 removes a restriction in Tennessee law that previously limited legal immunity from arrest or prosecution for drug overdose to only the first overdose. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 63-1-156 and related provisions to ensure immunity applies to all subsequent overdoses when seeking help. This directly affects individuals experiencing drug overdoses who contact emergency services, as they will no longer face legal consequences for prior overdoses. The key change eliminates the "first overdose" limitation, providing consistent legal protection regardless of how many overdoses occur. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 724 allows assisted-care living facilities in Tennessee to display required posted information (like safety or service details) on electronic screens visible to residents and the public, instead of physical signs, **subject to approval by the licensing board**. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63 (long-term care) and Title 68 (health care facilities), directly affecting assisted-care living facilities and the licensing board. Key provisions require board approval for electronic display compliance, replacing traditional physical posting. This change streamlines information access while maintaining regulatory oversight. The bill is currently pending amendment after initial filing.