Rep. Caleb Hemmer

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (HJR 629) recognizes The Harding Art Show's 50th anniversary, hosted annually by Harding Academy in Nashville. It commends the event for its 50 years of supporting arts education, community engagement, and fundraising - drawing over 5,000 attendees yearly while showcasing artists from across the country. The resolution formally honors the show’s role in enriching Tennessee’s cultural landscape but does not create new policies or obligations. It was signed into law by the Governor on April 29, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 631 is a ceremonial resolution commending A.J. Starling for his retirement from the Davidson County Election Commission after 20 years of service. It recognizes his broader career in public service, including roles with the Tennessee AFL-CIO and labor union leadership since 1971. The resolution contains no policy changes or direct impacts on laws, regulations, or constituents - it is solely a formal expression of appreciation for his contributions. As a procedural resolution, it does not affect any laws or require implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 567 designates Nashville hot chicken as Tennessee's official state food, amending the state code to add it to the list of recognized foods alongside hot slaw and Memphis barbecue. The bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated Section 4-1-345 to formally include Nashville hot chicken as part of the state's cultural identity. This change directly affects Tennessee's official representation and public recognition of its culinary heritage. The legislation does not impose new regulations or costs but updates existing state symbols.

Maddy summaryHB 959 updates Tennessee's licensure rules for marriage and family therapists. It allows students in accredited programs to use titles like "marital therapy intern" while supervised, and clarifies that associate license holders must use "associate licensed marriage and family therapist" or "AMFT" (not implying full licensure). The bill creates specific pathways for associate licensure, requiring a 9-month exam deadline and supervised practice under approved supervisors, while defining "approved supervisor" to include AAMFT-approved professionals. These changes directly affect therapy students, trainees, and practitioners seeking licensure in Tennessee.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 103), not a legislative bill. It honors Nancy Anness, a healthcare leader retiring after 30 years at Ascension Saint Thomas in Tennessee, for her work founding community health clinics and advocating for healthcare access. The resolution formally recognizes her career, including launching clinics serving vulnerable populations and leading advocacy efforts. It does not create new laws or policies, as it is a non-binding expression of appreciation by the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryHB 572 requires all Tennessee hospitals and birthing centers providing labor and delivery services to give new mothers (and, if possible, their caregiver or a family member) information about post-birth warning signs - such as symptoms and available resources - before discharge. It also mandates the Tennessee Department of Health to provide this information to all facilities and make it accessible on its website. The law directly affects new mothers, their families, and healthcare providers by standardizing pre-discharge education on postpartum health risks. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 68.

Maddy summaryHB 1169 requires Tennessee's Council on Children's Mental Health to submit annual reports starting June 30, 2026, detailing the statewide mental health system for children. The reports must cover current services (including state/federal programs), gaps in care, and recommendations for better coordination between agencies. The council must gather input from relevant departments (mental health, education, health, etc.) to create a comprehensive overview. These reports will be shared with the governor, legislative leaders, and agency heads. The bill, effective March 28, 2025, updates existing law to ensure regular oversight of children's mental health services.

Maddy summaryHB 563 would create a Class C misdemeanor for storing a handgun in a vehicle when the owner is not present, unless the handgun is locked and out of sight (e.g., in the trunk, glove box, or a locked container affixed to the vehicle). It also requires handgun owners to report a lost or stolen handgun to law enforcement within 24 hours of discovery. Violations would only require completing a court-approved handgun safety course, with no fines or jail time. The bill, which amends Tennessee Code Annotated, is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 295 is a non-binding memorial resolution honoring James Stephen Turner, a Nashville business leader and philanthropist who revitalized downtown Nashville (notably through The Gulch development) and served on cultural and community boards like the Country Music Hall of Fame. It formally recognizes his contributions to Nashville's civic, cultural, and economic life, expresses condolences to his family, and leaves a copy for presentation. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or direct impact on policy or constituents.

Maddy summaryHB 595, the "Freedom to Grow Our Tennessee Families Act," requires Tennessee health insurers to cover specific fertility services starting January 1, 2026. It mandates coverage for fertility diagnostic care, treatment (to achieve pregnancy), and preservation services (like egg freezing), including at least three egg retrievals with unlimited embryo transfers. The law prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on medical history (e.g., cancer treatment), using donor gametes, or discriminating due to race, gender, or relationship status. It also bans waiting periods and requires insurers to base coverage limits solely on medical guidelines from established fertility organizations. This directly affects Tennessee residents with health insurance plans and the state’s health insurers.