Rep. Harold Love

Maddy summaryHB 2413, the "Tennessee Child Care Red Tape Reduction Act," streamlines licensing for child care agencies by requiring local governments to process permit applications within 5 business days (matching affordable housing priority) and issue final decisions within 90 days. It grants exclusive authority to the state fire marshal - not local fire departments - to conduct fire safety inspections for licensing, establishes uniform statewide safety standards, and prohibits duplicative local inspections. The bill also allows child care agencies to operate as "use by right" in most commercial zones (including residential for home-based care) with limited, non-discriminatory conditions. These changes directly affect child care providers, local permitting offices, and state fire safety enforcement, aiming to reduce regulatory barriers while maintaining safety.

Maddy summaryHB 1946, the "Curbing Harmful AI Technology (CHAT) Act," prohibits AI chatbots designed to mimic human relationships (called "companion chatbots") from being made available to minors in Tennessee if they could encourage self-harm, illegal activity, secrecy, or unsafe isolation. It requires companies to display clear disclaimers that the chatbot is not human during use and to notify users every 30 minutes. The bill also mandates that AI chatbots detect suicidal thoughts or self-harm expressions and redirect users to crisis services like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This directly affects companies developing or deploying companion chatbots in Tennessee that interact with minors, excluding standard customer service or internal business AI.

Maddy summaryHB 1943 requires Tennessee hospital emergency departments to provide a medical screening exam to pregnant women reporting active labor or an emergency medical condition, without denial or delay. It prohibits transferring a pregnant woman to another facility unless her condition is stabilized (per federal EMTALA standards) and mandates that transfers only occur with a physician's written certification of medical necessity and the patient's informed consent. The bill directly affects pregnant women seeking emergency care and hospitals operating emergency departments, imposing penalties for violations like denying screenings or transferring without proper authorization. Key provisions include requiring hospitals to offer stabilization treatment or a safe transfer option, documenting patient consent for refusals, and ensuring transfers meet federal guidelines for specialized care. This legislation aligns Tennessee's emergency care protocols for pregnant patients with existing federal emergency medical treatment laws.

Maddy summaryHB 674, the "Proximity Placement and Family Visitation Incentive Act," would allow eligible incarcerated individuals in Tennessee correctional facilities to request a transfer to a facility closer to their home county if they maintain good behavior for at least 12 months and participate in rehabilitation programs. Priority for transfers would go to inmates with families that regularly visit them (verified by records) or face financial hardship from travel costs. The Tennessee Department of Correction would track and report annually on visitation patterns, eligible inmates, and transfer numbers to monitor the program’s implementation. This bill directly affects incarcerated people seeking closer family visits and the state’s correctional system.

Maddy summaryHB 427 provides 12 weeks of job-protected leave for eligible employees recovering from living organ donation surgery, including state workers with 12+ months of service and private-sector employees covered under federal FMLA rules. It prohibits insurers from denying or altering life, disability, or long-term care insurance coverage based solely on someone being a living organ donor. The bill also requires Tennessee's Department of Health to create and post public educational materials about living donation benefits, risks, and insurance impacts by July 2025. These provisions directly affect living organ donors, their employers, and insurance providers across Tennessee.

Maddy summaryHB 1944 requires Tennessee's Department of Health to test every newborn for sickle cell trait starting from the bill's effective date. If a newborn tests positive, the department must notify the parent or legal guardian as soon as possible. This bill directly affects all newborns in Tennessee and their families by mandating this screening and notification process. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 68, Chapter 5 to establish this new requirement for newborn health screening. The bill is currently pending in committee review and has not yet been enacted.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution formally commends Nehemiah DeMar for his exemplary service as a legislative intern to Representative Harold M. Love during the 2026 session. The document highlights his academic achievements at Tennessee State University and praises his dedication, insight, and decorum while assisting with legislative duties. Passed unanimously by the House of Representatives, the resolution serves as an official recognition of his contributions and extends well wishes for his future endeavors.

Maddy summaryHB 1949 requires that nonprofit organizations receiving opioid abatement funds from Tennessee's opioid abatement fund must be paid through a 50% advance payment (for recurring costs like staff wages) and 50% reimbursement grant structure. This applies to nonprofits working on statewide, regional, or local opioid prevention and treatment programs. The bill amends Tennessee law to mandate this payment method, ensuring nonprofits have upfront cash for essential operations while requiring documentation for reimbursement. It directly affects organizations administering opioid-related services funded by the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Joint Resolution that formally honors and congratulates the Tennessee State University men's basketball team for winning the 2025-2026 Ohio Valley Conference Tournament and earning a berth in the 2026 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. The resolution acknowledges the team's achievements, including securing the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament for the first time in thirty years and achieving one of the program's most successful seasons in decades. It specifically recognizes key players Aaron Nkrumah, Travis Harper II, and Dante Harris, as well as head coach Nolan Smith, for their contributions to the team's success. The resolution also highlights Tennessee State's historical significance as a historically Black university and celebrates the character and excellence demonstrated by the student athletes.

Maddy summaryHB 1235 requires Tennessee's Department of Children's Services to conserve federal funds a child in state care is eligible for, using them for the child's future needs or special services not already provided. The department must hold these funds in accounts like 529 plans or special needs trusts, avoid violating federal benefit eligibility rules, and maintain detailed records accessible to the child's attorney or guardian. It directly affects children in state custody who qualify for federal benefits, ensuring funds support their long-term needs rather than covering routine care costs. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 37-1-172 (effective July 1, 2025) to mandate this conservation and usage approach.