SB 16 prohibits Tennessee public schools from using public funds to join athletic associations that restrict student participation based on limited school transfers (allowing only one transfer without penalty). The bill requires athletic associations to comply with open meeting laws and undergo annual audits by the state comptroller to ensure transparency. It also establishes procedures for schools to notify athletic associations about students in foster care, with strict consent requirements under privacy laws. The legislation affects public schools, athletic associations, and student athletes by changing how school funding is allocated for athletic participation rules. This bill is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.
HB 940 raises the minimum age for operating a personal watercraft (PWC) without direct adult supervision in Tennessee from 12 to 16 years old. It also requires all PWC operators to maintain proof of financial responsibility (similar to motor vehicle insurance requirements) for the waters of Tennessee. The bill directly affects young people aged 12-15 who currently operate PWCs unsupervised and all PWC operators who must now provide insurance documentation. The age change takes effect immediately upon enactment, while the financial responsibility requirement becomes effective July 1, 2025.
HJR 1009 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Poppy Pewitt, a Dickson County High School sophomore and 2025 Tennessee Golf Association Girls' Junior Player of the Year. It recognizes her achievements, including winning the TSSAA Class AA individual girls' golf state championship and leading her team to its first state tournament appearance since 1985. The resolution formally congratulates her for her athletic success and character, extending "best wishes for every continued success." As a symbolic honor with no binding policy changes, it directly affects only Poppy Pewitt through official recognition from the Tennessee General Assembly.
HJR 1003 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Alyssa Clements of Clay County, Tennessee, for winning second place in the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention national agricultural competition. It recognizes her achievements as a young agricultural leader, including her Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture award and her professional work in animal science and feed nutrition. The resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions - it solely serves to publicly commend her contributions to agriculture. This non-binding resolution was unanimously adopted by both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly in early 2026.
HJR 1005 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Jon Godwin for his induction into the Clay County Sports Hall of Fame. It recognizes his high school athletic achievements at Clay County High School (2004-2006), including scoring 929 points in basketball, leading his team to its first state tournament appearance, and earning multiple all-state and all-conference honors. The resolution formally expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's tribute to Godwin's sportsmanship and contributions to Clay County athletics. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legislative effect or policy changes beyond this symbolic recognition.
HJR 1007 is a resolution honoring Darrell Collins upon his induction into the Clay County Sports Hall of Fame. It recognizes his decades of contributions to Clay County sports as a player, announcer, and coach - including his role as the "Voice of the Bulldogs" at Celina High School and his work co-founding youth sports leagues. The resolution formally expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's tribute to Collins' community impact through sports. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect but serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation.
HJR 1011 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Donna Alley Simpson, Bradley County Clerk, for her 39 years of service (including 28 years as county clerk) before retiring in August 2026. It recognizes her dedication, community involvement, and professional achievements, including awards from the Tennessee County Clerks Association and County Officials Association. The resolution formally commends her service and extends well-wishes for her retirement. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents or laws.
HJR 1002 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing Couch's BBQ in Ooltewah, Tennessee, for its 80 years of operation. It honors the restaurant's history since 1946, its family ownership (originally by Will and Agnes Couch, later by Kenny and Sarah Stiner), and its role as a community staple. The resolution specifically acknowledges current owner Sarah Stiner and the business's legacy as a regional culinary landmark. As a non-binding recognition resolution, it has no policy or funding impact.
HJR 1008 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Paula Boone, a long-term care professional from Signature HealthCARE of Putnam County, for her selection as a 2026 participant in the THCA/TNCAL Future Leaders Program. The resolution recognizes her professional achievements and commitment to leadership development in Tennessee's long-term care industry. It does not create new laws or affect policy - it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly. The resolution passed unanimously in both the House (90-0) and Senate (31-0) in early 2026.
HJR 1010 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Danny Herron upon his retirement as President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville. It recognizes his 16+ years of service, including building over 500 homes, generating $125 million in real estate value, and expanding the organization’s impact across Middle Tennessee. The resolution contains no policy changes or funding provisions - it solely offers formal commendation for Herron’s community leadership. It passed unanimously in both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly in March 2026.
House Joint Resolution 1004 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Faye Strong Watson upon her induction into the Clay County Sports Hall of Fame. It recognizes her six-decade career in Clay County sports, including her roles as a three-sport athlete (basketball, softball, tennis), founding coach of Celina High School’s first fast-pitch softball program (1986), and a tennis player with over 300 matches. The resolution does not create legal obligations or policy changes - it serves solely as a formal expression of appreciation for her community contributions.
HJR 1014 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the Nashville Christian School football team for winning the 2025 TSSAA Division II-A state championship. It expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's support for the team's achievement, including their perfect 13-0 season and championship victory over University School of Jackson. The resolution directly affects the players, coaches, and school staff by formally recognizing their success as exemplary ambassadors for Tennessee high school athletics. As a symbolic gesture with no policy changes or funding impacts, it does not impose new requirements or alter laws.
