Rep. Bob Freeman

Maddy summaryHB 1854 would expand Tennessee's criminal law to criminalize adulterating food, drinks, or medicine with the intent to cause involuntary intoxication. It classifies this act as a Class D felony (with higher penalties for causing injury or death), directly affecting individuals who intentionally tamper with consumable products to make users involuntarily intoxicated. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 39-17-107 and 40 to define the offense and establish specific felony classifications based on the perpetrator's intent. This change would apply to any adulterated product designed for human consumption or medical use, including restaurants, pharmacies, or personal items.

Maddy summaryHB 601 allows criminal defendants in Tennessee who pleaded guilty, "best interest," or no contest to later petition for a new trial based on new evidence that was unknown to them at the time of their plea, through no fault of their own. The law creates a specific court process: defendants file a verified petition with no fee, and if the court finds the claim has merit, a hearing is scheduled where the defendant must prove the new evidence establishes actual innocence. If proven, the court vacates the conviction and orders a new trial; if not, the petition is dismissed. This law applies to all convictions regardless of trial type (jury or plea) and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 824 extends Davidson County's authority to charge an extra $0.50 tax on hotel and motel room occupancy for six additional years, until May 21, 2026. This tax revenue must continue being used solely for promoting tourism within the county. The bill also extends the terms of the committee overseeing the tourism promotion fund by six years. The change updates Tennessee's existing tax law (TCA Section 7-4-202) to maintain current tourism funding mechanisms without altering the tax rate or eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 602, the "Voyeurism Victims Act," creates a specific criminal offense for non-consensual photography of intimate areas (unlawful photography) and expands victim protections. It defines the crime to include photos taken for sexual gratification, using hidden cameras, or involving multiple victims, and extends the statute of limitations for prosecution until the victim discovers the act. The bill also adds "unlawful photography victim" to Tennessee’s domestic violence and stalking protection orders, allowing affected individuals to seek legal relief through existing court processes. This law directly affects people who experience non-consensual intimate photo sharing, providing clearer legal pathways for accountability and support. It takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 384) commending Thomas Rudolph Draper for his service as a legislative intern for Representative Bob Freeman during the 2025 Tennessee General Assembly session. It recognizes Draper's academic achievements at Tennessee State University (including three consecutive Dean's List appearances), his leadership as president of the prelaw chapter at TSU, and his work on the Family Day Committee. The resolution formally expresses the General Assembly's appreciation for his contributions to the legislative process and extends well-wishes for his future law school plans. As a commemorative measure with no policy impact, it does not create new laws or affect any individuals or programs beyond this formal recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 2025 as Sudden Unexplained Death in Children (SUDC) Awareness Month in Tennessee. It commemorates the issue - where SUDC is the fifth leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 - and honors Asher James Lee Wilson of Nashville, while supporting the SUDC Foundation’s work to raise awareness and fund research. The resolution has no policy or funding provisions; it is purely symbolic recognition to foster community support for affected families. It was signed into law by the Governor on April 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HJR 369), not a policy bill. It honors Father Charles Strobel, a Nashville native and priest who founded "Room in the Inn" in 1985 to provide shelter for the homeless. The resolution formally recognizes his work, which established a national model for homelessness assistance now used by over 200 congregations. It was signed into law by the Governor on April 1, 2025, and directs the state to commemorate his memory on March 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1049 changes Tennessee's opioid treatment reporting requirement from every other year to annually. The commissioner of health must provide updated reports to the governor, legislative leaders, and health committees by November 1 each year. These reports will detail how current restrictions on opioid treatment affect patient care. The bill amends specific Tennessee Code sections (63-1-164 and others) to implement this annual reporting schedule. It directly affects the commissioner of health, state legislators, and health committees by requiring more frequent updates on opioid treatment policies.

Maddy summaryHB 788 requires Tennessee's Department of Safety to provide free photo identification licenses at all locations where driver's licenses are issued. It directly affects residents who lack a valid government-issued photo ID, as they can obtain a free ID by signing an affidavit confirming they have none. The bill mandates that these free IDs be available at every department location, even if a person holds a non-photo driver license. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2025, and amends Tennessee Code Sections 55-50-336(g) and related provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1048 amends Tennessee law to reduce the number of required credible witnesses from two to one when Alcoholic Beverage Commission officers destroy confiscated contraband equipment, paraphernalia, or personal property. The bill directly affects commission officers conducting these destruction procedures. It changes Section 57-9-101(c) of Tennessee Code Annotated to require only one credible witness instead of two for such destructions. This is a procedural adjustment to administrative requirements, not a substantive policy change.