Rep. Torrey Harris

Maddy summaryHB 2035 creates a new criminal court (Part IX) within Tennessee's 30th judicial district, effective September 1, 2026. It requires the governor to appoint a judge to serve until September 2028, after which voters in the district will elect a judge in the August 2028 general election for an initial eight-year term. The judge elected in 2028 will serve until September 2030, with subsequent judges elected for full eight-year terms. This bill directly affects the 30th judicial district's criminal court operations and the election process for its judges.

Maddy summaryHB 2346, the "Fair Background Check and Due Process Act," prevents consumer reporting agencies from sharing unproven criminal charges (like arrests or pending cases without a conviction) with employers, landlords, or licensing agencies. It allows reporting only for convictions or specific "excluded offenses" (such as theft, fraud, or violent crimes directly related to job safety). The bill directly affects job seekers, renters, and license applicants who face denials based on unproven allegations. It does not stop employers from asking job-related questions or conducting required background checks. The bill is currently pending in the Criminal Justice Subcommittee.

Maddy summaryHB 2347 requires Tennessee's health commissioner to study how neighboring states use designated caregivers (such as family, partners, or friends designated by patients) for hospitalized patients. Using existing resources, the commissioner must identify current practices and best approaches, then compile findings and recommendations into a report for lawmakers by December 31, 2026. This non-binding study aims to inform future healthcare policy without creating new laws or affecting specific groups directly.

Maddy summaryHB 2457 requires TennCare-managed care organizations (MCOs) and pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) to reimburse claims for long-acting injectable HIV drugs used for both treatment and prevention. These drugs must be administered in settings like pharmacies, clinics, or hospitals, directly affecting TennCare enrollees with HIV. The bill mandates that MCOs/PBMs cover these drugs under either pharmacy or medical benefits but prohibits double reimbursement - providers can only be paid once per service. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, ensuring consistent coverage for this specific HIV care option.

Maddy summaryHB 1275 requires Tennessee's Department of Education to publish annually, by July 31, a list on its website of all school districts designated as "high performing" for the upcoming school year. The list must include how long each district will remain designated as high performing before needing to requalify under the established criteria. This bill directly affects school districts designated as high performing and the Department of Education, which must implement this transparency measure. The requirement begins for the 2025-2026 school year, with annual updates thereafter. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 49 to mandate this public disclosure.

Maddy summaryHB 2344, the "Tennessee Businesses First Act," requires Tennessee counties, cities, school districts, and other local governments to set aside a 30-day bidding period for public contracts over $25,000 (or $50,000 for entities without centralized purchasing), during which only local businesses can submit bids. Local businesses are defined as those with a physical office in the county for at least 12 months, employing local residents, and registered in Tennessee. After this period, local governments must accept bids from all businesses, but if an out-of-county bid is lower, the local business that bid during the 30-day window can match the price within 10 days to win the contract. Local governments must also annually report on contracts awarded to local businesses, dollars retained locally, and job creation impacts.

Maddy summaryHB 2345, the "Community Faith Transportation and Service Protection Act," creates state-provided secondary insurance coverage for faith-based organizations (like churches or mosques) using vehicles for specific community services. It covers bodily injury up to $1 million and property damage up to $250,000 when vehicles are used for healthcare access, food security, disability assistance, elder care, or social services - provided the driver has a valid license and the activity isn’t for profit. The law prohibits insurers from denying coverage, excluding charitable use, or raising premiums solely because a vehicle serves these community purposes. Faith-based organizations and their partner nonprofits (501(c)(3) groups) are shielded from liability for accidents unless caused by gross negligence or reckless conduct.

Maddy summaryHB 2342 allows prison wardens or chief administrative officers to submit reports about crimes occurring within penal institutions to district attorneys electronically, rather than requiring paper submissions. This technical amendment modifies Tennessee Code § 39-16-202(a)(1) to explicitly permit electronic transmission of these reports. The change directly affects correctional facility staff and district attorneys handling criminal reports from prisons. It streamlines reporting procedures without altering criminal penalties or creating new legal requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2621 requires municipal electric utilities in Tennessee to make their current rate schedules, charges, and service rules available online for public access, replacing the previous requirement to keep these documents only at physical office locations. This change directly affects municipal electric utilities (like city-owned power systems) and benefits ratepayers by providing easier, digital access to pricing and service information. The bill amends Tennessee law to mandate that these documents be published on a public website, in addition to maintaining physical copies at offices. The policy change aims to improve transparency without altering utility rates or service obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 2033, as introduced, would require Tennessee courts to mandate community service hours for most convicted individuals starting July 1, 2026. Felony convicts (excluding those sentenced to death, life without parole, or 100% prison time) would need to complete 80 hours, while misdemeanor convicts (excluding traffic offenses or fines-only cases) would need 40 hours. The service must be performed through approved organizations or programs, documented in writing, and verified by the court before probation or parole release. This bill would directly affect people convicted of non-exempt criminal offenses in Tennessee, adding a mandatory community service component to sentencing.