Rep. Bob Freeman

Maddy summaryHB 2301 makes it a serious crime (Class D felony) to intentionally spike food, drinks, or medicines to cause involuntary intoxication, bodily harm, or death. It directly affects bars, restaurants, and other venues that sell alcohol by requiring them to provide free, rapid drug testing devices for customers to check suspected spiked drinks. The bill specifies these devices must detect at least 10 controlled substances and date rape drugs within 5 minutes, be U.S.-made, and be available upon request. Venues must also display notices about the testing service and ensure devices are unexpired. The law takes effect in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2302 establishes rules for handling traffic violations committed by autonomous vehicles in Tennessee. It requires police to mail violation notices or citations to the registered owner of an autonomous vehicle within 20 business days, instead of issuing them directly to the vehicle. The notice must include the fine amount, allow 30 days for payment, and specify additional fees for late payment or contesting the violation. This directly affects owners of self-driving vehicles by changing how traffic tickets are delivered and processed. The bill ensures all notices have a Tennessee return address and payment must be handled within-state.

Maddy summaryHB 2564 requires Tennessee's attorney general to notify crime victims about escrow accounts holding funds for civil judgments using email, phone calls, and text messages - beyond just direct in-person or mail notification. This bill directly affects victims who have civil judgments against offenders and are eligible to receive funds from these escrow accounts. The key provision amends Tennessee Code Section 29-13-405(1) to mandate these additional notification methods. The change ensures victims receive timely updates about available funds through multiple accessible communication channels.

Maddy summaryHB 1747 requires Tennessee public high schools to provide students enrolled in U.S. government and civics courses with three structured field trips - one to observe each branch of government (legislative, judicial, executive). Each trip must align with state standards and include specific experiences, such as visiting a city council (legislative), courthouse (judicial), or mayor’s office (executive). Schools are not required to reschedule trips for absent students or allow attendance for students facing disciplinary action. The law takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution honors Coach Josh Clark and the Montgomery Bell Academy debate team for winning the 2026 Policy Debate Tournament of Champions. The document formally recognizes the team's achievements, including their national title, multiple semifinal and quarterfinal placements, and their status as the number-one-ranked policy debate team in the nation. It serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of the students and coach rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1917 redefines Tennessee's counseling licensure by creating a new "limited practice professional counselor" (LPPC) category while eliminating the previous distinction. It requires all current LPPC license holders to transition to the standard "licensed professional counselor" (LPC) category by July 1, 2028, when LPPC licenses will no longer be issued. The bill amends multiple state codes to update terminology, clarify requirements for LPC licensure (including specific coursework and supervised experience), and establish the transition timeline. This directly affects current LPPC license holders who must convert to LPC status before the 2028 deadline.

Maddy summaryHB 599 makes it a Class A misdemeanor to knowingly give, sell, lend, deliver, or transfer a firearm to someone prohibited from buying or possessing a firearm under state or federal law. This applies when the transferor knows or should reasonably know the recipient is prohibited, such as someone with a felony conviction or active restraining order. Violations carry penalties for the person transferring the firearm, not the recipient. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, for all firearm transfers after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution that formally commends April Christian James for her outstanding service as a legislative intern for Representative Bob Freeman during the 2026 session. The resolution recognizes her exemplary work assisting legislators and the General Assembly, as well as her academic achievements at Freed-Hardeman University and her leadership roles in student organizations. The House and Senate have passed the resolution, and it was signed by the Governor, making it an official record of appreciation for her contributions to the legislative process.

Maddy summaryHB 679 increases compensation for healthcare providers who perform forensic exams on sexual assault victims from $1,000 to $2,500 per exam, directly affecting providers who bill the criminal injuries compensation fund. It also requires the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to complete DNA or serology analysis on sexual assault evidence kits within 120 days of receiving them from law enforcement, with specific procedures for delays. The bill sets a July 1, 2025 effective date for both provisions, applying to exams performed and kits received after that date. These changes aim to improve compensation for medical providers and streamline forensic evidence processing in sexual assault cases.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 907 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing "Tennessee Tree Day" on March 21, 2026, to celebrate annual tree-planting events organized by the Tennessee Environmental Council (TEC). It directly honors TEC's work, which has facilitated over 1.1 million native trees planted across all 95 counties since 2007 through partnerships with state agencies, volunteers, and local organizations. The resolution expresses official support for TEC's continued coordination of community tree-planting efforts, including a planned 100,000-tree event in 2026. As a symbolic measure (not a law), it does not create new programs or funding but formally acknowledges TEC's role in expanding Tennessee's tree canopy.