Senate Resolution 12 confirms Governor Bill Lee's appointment of Deanne Dewitt of Sumner County to the Tennessee Board of Regents, where she will serve until June 30, 2030, representing the 6th Congressional District. This resolution follows Tennessee law requiring Senate confirmation of gubernatorial appointments to the Board of Regents. The resolution does not create new policy but formalizes an existing appointment. Deanne Dewitt, a business consultant and community leader, was appointed to fill a vacancy on the board.
This is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 42) honoring Megan High, a Pre-K teacher at Buckley-Carpenter Elementary School, for being named the school's 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. It formally recognizes her 13-year teaching career, dedication to students, and professional achievements through a symbolic resolution adopted by the Tennessee Senate. The resolution has no policy impact - it serves solely as a public acknowledgment of her work and does not create new laws or obligations. The resolution was unanimously passed and signed by the Senate Speaker on March 18, 2025.
This Senate Resolution (SR 30) appoints Lowell Russell to the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission. It confirms his reappointment to the commission, which develops and oversees law enforcement training programs for all Tennessee officers, as authorized by Tennessee law (TCA § 38-8-102). The resolution highlights Russell’s background as a 14-year Tennessee Highway Patrol veteran (injured in 2012), his service in the House of Representatives, and his prior appointment to the commission in 2017. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new policy but formalizes an existing appointment.
This House Resolution (HR 62) is a formal commendation for Lauren Cabrera, a legislative intern who worked for Representative Dan Howell during Tennessee's 2025 legislative session. It recognizes her academic background (political science major at Freed-Hardeman University), her contributions to the legislative process, and her "exemplary service" throughout the session. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Tennessee House of Representatives on March 17, 2025, with no opposing votes. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new policy or affect any laws or individuals beyond the named intern.
This ceremonial resolution (HR 63) honors Nashville songwriter Melody Walker for winning the 2025 Grammy Award for Best American Roots Song for "American Dreaming." It recognizes her songwriting collaborations, community work through Nashville's Writers' Kitchen, and contributions to Americana and bluegrass music. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new policies or affect laws - it solely expresses the Tennessee House of Representatives' congratulations on her Grammy achievement.
Senate Resolution 11 confirms Governor Bill Lee's appointment of Nisha Powers of Memphis to the Tennessee Board of Regents, where she will serve until June 30, 2030, representing the 9th Congressional District. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Tennessee Senate on March 17, 2025, formalizing her appointment as required by state law. This procedural resolution does not create new policy but validates an existing executive appointment.
SB 956 reduces waiting periods for expunging certain criminal records in Tennessee. It shortens the required time from 5 years to 3 years for misdemeanors or Class E felonies, and from 10 years to 6 years for Class D felonies after completing a sentence. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 40-32-101(g)(2)(B) and (k)(1)(C) to implement these changes. This affects individuals seeking to clear eligible criminal records for specific offense types. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
This bill updates Tennessee's child care law to explicitly include nieces and nephews of whole or half blood as legally related to a primary caregiver. Previously, the law did not clearly cover these blood-related relatives under the definition of "related" for child care licensing purposes. The change allows caregivers (such as grandparents or aunts/uncles) to legally care for these specific relatives under existing child care regulations without needing additional licensing. It directly affects families where a primary caregiver is responsible for a niece or nephew sharing blood ties.
SB 204, the "Tennessee Homebuyer Harassment Prevention Act," limits real estate developers, businesses, or their representatives to contacting property owners **only once per calendar year** with unsolicited offers to buy their property. It requires these contacts to include the sender’s legal name, address, phone number, and email - applying to phone calls, texts, emails, or mail. Property owners can file complaints with the Attorney General’s office, which will investigate and may impose fines up to $2,000 per violation. The law excludes licensed real estate agents and government agencies from these restrictions.
This Senate Resolution (SR 37) commends Sheila Whalum of Memphis for her community leadership and contributions, specifically recognizing her nine-year role as executive director of the Whalum Center for Music at Visible Music College. It highlights her family's musical legacy in Memphis, prior service as deputy director of Memphis Finance, authorship of a book, and mentorship at the University of Memphis. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely offers formal recognition through the Tennessee Senate. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Senate on March 13, 2025.
Senate Resolution 40 is a symbolic honor recognizing Memphis musician Kirk Whalum for his four-decade career in R&B and smooth jazz. It commends his achievements - including Grammy nominations, work with artists like Whitney Houston, and contributions to music and community - without creating any new laws or affecting policies. The resolution does not impose obligations or alter rights, as it is purely ceremonial. It was unanimously adopted by the Tennessee Senate on March 13, 2025.
This is a ceremonial Senate resolution (not a bill) honoring Memphis musician Kameron Whalum. It recognizes his work as a trombonist, singer, and member of Silk Sonic, his family's musical legacy in Memphis, his education, and his role as a Berklee City Music Ambassador mentoring young artists. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely a symbolic tribute adopted unanimously by the Tennessee Senate on March 13, 2025.
