HJR 718 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the CSX Santa Train for its 83-year tradition of delivering holiday joy to children in Appalachia. It honors the train’s annual 110-mile journey through Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee, where it distributes toys, safety books, and cold-weather gear to hundreds of families - such as the 15,000 toys and 5,000 gear bags provided in 2025. The resolution specifically commends CSX employees, volunteers, and community partners like Appalachian Power for their role in this charitable effort. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy impact and solely serves to publicly acknowledge the initiative’s community service.
House Joint Resolution 708 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to formally commend Vincent Ruiz, an eighth-grade student from Nashville, for winning the 2025 National Marbles Tournament. It recognizes his achievement as the third player in the tournament's 102-year history to win in their first year of competition, after self-teaching the game through online resources. The resolution highlights his 68-2 record in 70 tournament games and celebrates his role as a community ambassador. This resolution does not create new laws or policies - it serves solely as a ceremonial tribute to Ruiz's accomplishment.
HJR 710 is a memorial resolution introduced by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor the late James W. "Jim" Ayers, a Parsons, Tennessee native and founder of FirstBank. The resolution commemorates Ayers' career in banking, his establishment of The Ayers Foundation (which supported over 30,000 rural Tennessee students through education initiatives), and his philanthropy across Tennessee's educational institutions and healthcare facilities. It formally expresses the Assembly's condolences to his family while recognizing his legacy of community service and leadership.
SJR 539 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative activist. It commemorates his life, work in the conservative movement, and his role as a youth-focused political voice. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's condolences to his family and recognizes his contributions to conservative causes. As a memorial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.
HJR 711 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, a founder of Turning Point USA who was assassinated on September 10, 2025. It recognizes his contributions to youth engagement, conservative values, and his work promoting "faith, freedom, and family" through speeches and mentorship. The resolution has no policy impact or legal effect - it simply expresses the General Assembly's commemoration of his life and legacy. As a memorial resolution, it does not affect any individuals, policies, or government actions.
This is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 712) congratulating Adam Bullock, a probate and estate attorney from La Follette, Tennessee, for being selected into "The National Trial Lawyers: Top 10 Probate and Estate Trial Lawyers Association." The resolution recognizes his professional achievements and selection among the top attorneys in his field, based on peer nominations and third-party research. It does not create new laws, alter policies, or impose obligations - only offering symbolic recognition through a formal legislative expression of praise.
This is a ceremonial resolution (HJR 798), not a policy bill. It honors Dave Owens, a turkey caller from Cherokee, Alabama, for winning the 2025 NWTF Grand National Calling Championship - the "Super Bowl" of competitive turkey calling. The resolution recognizes his championship victory, his conservation work with Turkeys for Tomorrow, and his media project (Pinhoti Project) promoting ethical hunting. It contains no policy changes, funding, or legal obligations - it simply expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's admiration. As a procedural resolution, it directly affects only Dave Owens through symbolic recognition.
This joint resolution honors Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters upon his retirement after 47 years as the longest-serving elected official in Tennessee. It recognizes his leadership in growing Sevier County's population (more than tripled), expanding tourism to 21+ million annual visitors, and advancing economic development, public safety, and community partnerships during his tenure. The resolution serves as a formal commendation of his career, not a policy change.
This is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill) welcoming the Trust for Public Land's national board to Tennessee. It recognizes the organization's decades of conservation work in the state, including protecting sites like McLean Rock and helping develop Chattanooga's Tennessee Riverpark. The resolution expresses legislative appreciation for their partnership in expanding outdoor access and preserving natural landscapes but does not create new policies or funding. It serves solely as a symbolic gesture of recognition.
This resolution commemorates the 160th anniversary of First Baptist Church of Jacksboro in Tennessee. It formally recognizes the church's founding in 1866, its community service (including support for veterans and local events), and its role as a faith-based institution. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - only expressing legislative appreciation for the church's contributions.
SJR 564 is a symbolic resolution that formally commemorates Nashville's Highland Rim Forest. It recognizes the forest's ecological value - including stormwater management, air/water quality benefits, and biodiversity - without creating new laws or funding. The resolution does not impose obligations or alter land use; it solely serves to honor the forest's significance through official acknowledgment. This procedural resolution was unanimously passed by both chambers and signed into law in 2026.
This bill (SJR 554) is a ceremonial resolution honoring Dr. Cathy Beck upon her retirement as Director of Cheatham County Schools. It commends her for stabilizing the district after years of leadership turnover, achieving accreditation and Special Olympics designations, navigating the pandemic, and earning recognition from the Tennessee Department of Education. The resolution formally recognizes her 20-year career and dedication to students, staff, and families in Cheatham County. As a memorial resolution, it has no binding effect and directly affects only Dr. Beck through this public tribute.
