Rep. Bob Freeman

Maddy summaryHB 1646 requires Tennessee health insurance plans to cover specific treatments for acquired brain injury (ABI) starting January 1, 2027. It mandates coverage for 15 evidence-based therapies - including cognitive rehabilitation, neurobehavioral therapy, community reintegration services, and vision therapy - without lifetime limits or unreasonable annual caps on sessions. The bill also directs the state insurance commissioner to create rules for an expedited appeal process if insurers deny coverage for these ABI-related services. This affects health insurers offering plans in Tennessee and directly benefits individuals with ABI who require these specialized treatments.

Maddy summaryHB 1689 allows police officers to seize and hold vehicles used in drag racing for up to 72 hours if they have probable cause to believe the vehicle was used illegally. The bill requires law enforcement to notify the vehicle owner in writing within that timeframe, explaining the reason for the seizure and informing them of their right to request a hearing. Owners can challenge the seizure at an administrative hearing or in court within five business days, and if the seizure isn't justified, they may get their vehicle back or be reimbursed for fees. This law applies specifically to vehicles used in drag racing and does not change existing rules for vehicle forfeiture after a conviction.

Maddy summaryHB 596 creates the "Tennessee Voluntary Do Not Sell Firearms Act," allowing any Tennessee resident to temporarily prohibit their own firearm purchases by filing a waiver with their county circuit court clerk. The waiver requires government-issued ID verification, triggers a 24-hour background check entry by the TBI, and automatically suspends existing handgun carry permits. Residents can revoke the waiver after 7 days, with full reinstatement (including permit restoration) occurring 21 days after TBI processing. The law applies only to the filer’s own firearm access, does not affect other legal rights, and requires strict confidentiality for all records.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 970) honoring the Hillsboro High School boys' lacrosse team for winning the 2025 TSSAA Class A state championship. It commends the team, coaches, and supporters for their championship victory, highlighting key players and their performance in the title game. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic recognition with no new laws, funding, or regulations. It was passed by the Tennessee legislature and transmitted to the governor for formal acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryHJR 906 is a resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to commend 12-year-old Vincent Ruiz of Nashville for winning the 2025 National Marbles Tournament as a first-time competitor. The resolution highlights his 68-2 record in 70 games (losing only to Tennessee teammates) and notes he is only the third player in the tournament's 102-year history to win on their debut. This symbolic recognition honors Ruiz's self-taught skills and dedication, with no legal or policy impact beyond expressing legislative praise.

Maddy summaryHB 1746 prohibits the sale, delivery, holding for sale, or offering for sale of food containing forever chemicals (PFAS) unless the product is labeled to disclose the presence of PFAS and the known or possible health effects. It defines "forever chemicals" as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including specific compounds like PFOA and PFOS. The law directly affects food manufacturers and sellers in Tennessee, requiring clear labeling for PFAS-containing products. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1745 automatically restores voting rights for Tennessee residents convicted of an "infamous crime" upon their release from prison or when their maximum sentence expires. It directly affects individuals who have completed sentences for such convictions, eliminating the need for a governor's pardon or special conditions to regain voting eligibility. The bill amends Tennessee law to remove current disqualifications for those no longer incarcerated for these crimes, requiring county election commissions to accept prison discharge documentation as proof of restored rights. This change applies to both state and federal convictions that would qualify as infamous crimes under Tennessee law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the Montgomery Bell Academy Mock Trial team for winning the 2025 National High School Mock Trial Championship. It specifically recognizes the team members (including William Guo, Russell Howard, and Kavneer Majhail) and their coaches (Wade Cowan, Tracy Hancock, and Marisa Combs Smith) for their national championship victory. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation, highlighting their achievement as an example of excellence among Tennessee students. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy or legal effect beyond acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 23-March 1, 2026, as "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" in Tennessee. It formally recognizes the importance of raising public awareness about eating disorders - serious mental health conditions with high mortality rates - and highlights support organizations like the National Alliance for Eating Disorders and Project HEAL, without creating new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1774 requires Tennessee's Secretary of State to place an advisory ballot question on the November 2026 general election ballot asking voters if the state should authorize a regulated medical cannabis program. If approved, the program would allow medical cannabis use for qualifying patients, with tax revenue dedicated to after-school programs, mental health services, law enforcement training, and community education. The bill does not create the program itself but seeks voter approval through an advisory referendum. It directly affects all Tennessee voters in the 2026 election and would determine whether a future regulated medical cannabis system is implemented.