Rep. Bob Freeman

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 15, 2025, as "Tennessee Tree Day" to recognize the Tennessee Environmental Council's annual tree-planting events. It honors the organization's work coordinating community tree-planting efforts across all 95 counties, which have planted over one million native trees since 2007. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but symbolically supports ongoing tree-planting initiatives led by the Tennessee Environmental Council and its partners. It directly affects Tennesseans participating in these volunteer events and acknowledges the collaborative efforts of state agencies and community groups.

Maddy summaryHJR 259 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Dr. Andrew "Andy" Davis, the 2024-2025 Metro Nashville Public Schools Elementary Principal of the Year. It recognizes his educational background, career in teaching and administration (including his role as principal at Julia Green Elementary School), and dedication to public education. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the Tennessee General Assembly’s formal congratulations and commendation. It was signed by the Governor on March 12, 2025, completing its ceremonial process.

Maddy summaryHJR 309 is a symbolic resolution designating March 2025 as "Sudden Unexplained Death in Children Awareness Month" in Tennessee. It honors Asher James Lee of Nashville and recognizes the SUDC Foundation's work supporting families affected by sudden unexplained death in children. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about SUDC, which is the fifth leading cause of death for children aged one to four. It directly affects no individuals or entities through policy changes, serving only as a formal acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryHB 597 requires lobbyists in Tennessee to disclose in their registration statements with the Ethics Commission which specific bills or legislative measures they are paid to support or oppose. This change amends Tennessee law to mandate that lobbyists include this bill-specific information when filing their registration. The bill directly affects professional lobbyists who represent clients on legislative matters, adding transparency about their paid advocacy. It does not change voting rules or policy outcomes but adds a disclosure requirement for lobbying activities. The bill was introduced in 2025 but failed in committee.

Maddy summaryHB 598 would establish a legal process for capable adults in Tennessee with a terminal illness to request medication to end their life under strict conditions. To qualify, an adult must be a resident of Tennessee, diagnosed with an incurable disease expected to cause death within six months, and confirmed capable by both an attending physician and a consulting physician. The process requires a written request witnessed by two non-relatives (not beneficiaries or healthcare staff), counseling to ensure the decision is voluntary and informed, and full disclosure of the patient's diagnosis, prognosis, risks, and alternatives like hospice care. The bill amends Tennessee laws across multiple titles to create these requirements and procedures for end-of-life medication requests.

Maddy summaryHJR 38 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late William H. "Bill" Freeman, a Nashville businessman, Democratic fundraiser, and community leader who passed away. The resolution details his contributions, including co-founding Freeman Webb Company (managing over 18,000 rental properties), owning local media outlets, serving on the Metro Nashville Airport Authority, and donating over $7.8 million to Democratic causes. It expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's condolences to his family and recognizes his legacy as a "beacon of kindness and wisdom" in Nashville. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents - its sole purpose is to formally commemorate his life and service.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the East Bank Development Authority as a new agency within the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. The Authority is designed to manage and promote economic growth in a specific area bounded by the Cumberland River and major interstate highways. It grants the new body broad powers to acquire land, develop projects, lease properties, issue bonds for funding, and provide financial incentives to attract businesses. Ultimately, the legislation creates a dedicated organization to oversee infrastructure and development efforts in the designated East Bank region.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Tennessee health laws to formally include licensed professional counselors, marital and family therapists, and clinical pastoral therapists in the state's regulatory framework. By adding these specific professions to the legal code, the legislation ensures they are officially recognized alongside other licensed health providers. The change takes effect on July 1, 2024, and does not alter existing licensing requirements or create new rules for these professionals.

Maddy summaryThis bill enacts the Social Work Licensure Compact in Tennessee, allowing licensed social workers to practice across multiple states with a single license. By creating a multistate authorization system, the legislation aims to reduce the need for holding separate licenses in each state while maintaining state oversight of public safety. The compact establishes a commission to manage licensure data, facilitate information sharing between states, and regulate how social workers are held accountable for their actions in different jurisdictions. Additionally, the law specifically supports military families by easing licensing barriers for those who move frequently due to service and permits the use of telehealth to expand access to care.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a two-year pilot program to help child care workers in Tennessee keep their eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals and other public benefits even if they receive a wage increase. Under the new rules, employees whose income rises due to a pay raise between January 1, 2025, and January 1, 2027, will not lose these benefits solely because their earnings went up. The legislation also directs the Tennessee advisory commission on intergovernmental relations to study the feasibility of a target pay scale for child care workers and to analyze how current benefit thresholds create "benefits cliffs" where workers lose aid after earning slightly more. State agencies are required to assist with this study and submit a report of findings and recommendations to the legislature by January 1, 2025.