Rep. Chris Hurt

Maddy summaryHB 2246 regulates stem cell therapies in Tennessee by requiring physicians performing such treatments (for orthopedics, wound care, or pain management) to source stem cells only from facilities registered with the FDA and accredited by specific organizations like the National Marrow Donor Program. The bill mandates that facilities provide detailed accreditation documentation to physicians and include a post-thaw viability report for each cell batch. Physicians must also disclose in all advertisements that the therapy is not FDA-approved and encourage patients to consult their primary care provider. The law explicitly excludes stem cell therapies derived from fetal or embryonic sources.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors the memory of Angela Carol Allmand, a public servant and community leader from Ripley, Tennessee. It formally recognizes her contributions to the Republican Party and her dedication to public service, family, and civic life. The resolution expresses sympathy to her family and authorizes the creation of a copy of the document for presentation, omitting certain procedural language.

Maddy summaryHB 348 requires Tennessee local governments to fully fund education budgets they adopt. If a local government budgets for the full required education funding but fails to allocate the full amount to local education agencies (LEAs), it must cover the shortfall in the next fiscal year. The bill specifies that future funding requirements must be based on the originally budgeted amount (not the actual amount allocated), and funds used to correct shortfalls count as nonrecurring expenses. This directly affects local governments and LEAs by ensuring consistent education funding without relying on prior actual appropriations.

Maddy summaryHB 2241 reduces the wholesale tax on hemp-derived cannabinoid products from 2 cents to 1 cent per milligram and allows licensed retailers to deliver these products directly to consumers, including through licensed delivery services. The bill requires delivery services to verify customers' age (21+ with ID) at the time of delivery, maintain detailed delivery records, and limit deliveries to within 50 miles of the retailer's location in the same or contiguous counties. It also mandates that delivery services must derive at least 50% of their gross sales from food delivery and operate under a written agreement with the retailer. These changes apply specifically to licensed retailers and delivery services handling hemp-derived cannabinoid products in Tennessee.

Maddy summaryHB 2238 requires Tennessee's Secretary of State to place a specific ballot question on the 2026 November general election ballot asking voters: "Should the State of Tennessee legalize the sale, possession, and use of medical cannabis?" This directly affects all Tennessee voters in the 2026 election, as the question would appear on their ballot with "YES" or "NO" options. The bill mandates the Secretary of State to compile and submit the results to the General Assembly, but explicitly states these results are non-binding. The legislation does not change current law but creates a voter referendum process to gauge public opinion on medical cannabis legalization.

Maddy summaryHB 2245 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to maintain a copy of each validated risk and needs assessment for every inmate under its supervision throughout their entire incarceration. This bill directly affects all state inmates by mandating that the department retain these specific assessment records. The key provision is the permanent retention of validated assessments, amending Tennessee Code Annotated Title 41 to ensure these documents remain available for the full duration of an inmate's sentence. The bill focuses on administrative record-keeping without creating new policies or altering inmate rights.

Maddy summaryHB 2244 requires Tennessee's Department of Safety to create two specialized envelopes for drivers with specific conditions: a blue envelope for drivers with developmental or intellectual disabilities, and a green envelope for drivers with mental illness. Each envelope will hold essential documents (driver license, vehicle registration, contact card) and include exterior communication guidelines to help law enforcement officers interact appropriately during traffic stops. The envelopes will be available starting January 1, 2027, at all driver services centers and county clerk offices. This bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 55-21-401 through 55-21-405.

Maddy summaryHB 2239 amends Tennessee law to expand the definition of prohibited animals under criminal offenses. It adds "insect" to the existing list of "venomous or dangerous snake or reptile," making it illegal to display, handle, or use any dangerous insect in a way that endangers others' lives or health. This change directly affects individuals who might intentionally handle or exhibit venomous or dangerous insects in public settings, such as at events or in commercial displays, by extending criminal penalties to cover such insects under the same legal provisions as snakes and reptiles. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHJR 807 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Joan Smith as Tennessee REALTOR of the Year for 2025. It recognizes her 45-year career, leadership in real estate associations, community service (including United Way and Chamber of Commerce involvement), and advocacy work. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply expresses the General Assembly's tribute to her professional achievements. This is a standard honorific resolution, not a legislative act with binding provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 2240 would allow sheep producer associations in Tennessee to submit their required annual reports electronically instead of through traditional paper methods. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 44, by adding a provision explicitly permitting electronic submissions for these reports. This change directly affects sheep producer associations by providing a new compliance option without altering report content or frequency. The bill focuses solely on updating submission methods, not on substantive policy changes to livestock reporting requirements.