Sen. Steve Southerland

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (SJR 516), not a policy bill. It formally commends Keegan Grills, a student at Walters State Community College, for receiving an honorable mention in the short-fiction category of *Tennessee Mosaic* - an annual anthology published by Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for community college students. The resolution recognizes his literary achievement and expresses pride in his work, which was featured in the statewide anthology. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy impact and does not directly affect any laws, programs, or individuals beyond this recognition.

Maddy summarySJR 512 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Beth McGhee-Folsom upon her retirement after 30 years as director of regulatory affairs at ColorTech. It recognizes her professional service, leadership in the plastics industry, and community involvement, including roles with the Plastics Industry Association and United Way. The resolution expresses the Tennessee General Assembly's gratitude for her "distinguished service" and extends well-wishes for her retirement. As a non-binding memorial, it does not create new laws or affect any policies. The resolution was signed by both chambers and the Governor in May 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 534 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor Senator Frank Niceley for his 24-year service in the legislature. It commends his work championing small farms, low taxes, and Second Amendment rights while representing East Tennessee constituents across multiple legislative sessions. The resolution formally recognizes his dedication to fiscal responsibility, community leadership, and advocacy for rural interests during his tenure in both the House and Senate. This procedural resolution has no policy impact but serves as a public tribute to his legislative career.

Maddy summarySJR 518 is a ceremonial resolution commending Abigail Weaver, a Walters State Community College student from Seymour, for having her poetry selected as third-place winner in Tennessee Mosaic - a statewide anthology of community college student writing. It recognizes her academic achievements in pre-clinical laboratory science and her literary accomplishment. The resolution has no legal effect or policy impact; it serves solely as a formal expression of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly. It was formally adopted by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on May 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commends Walters State Community College student Macy Greenlee for winning second place in the short-fiction category of Tennessee Mosaic, a statewide anthology featuring community college student writing. It honors her achievement as a recognition of academic and literary excellence, specifically highlighting her published short fiction. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy impact - its sole purpose is to publicly acknowledge Greenlee's accomplishment.

Maddy summarySJR 520 is a Tennessee legislative resolution honoring Gerardo Castillo-Ruiz, a pre-engineering student at Walters State Community College, for being named to the All-Tennessee Academic Team. The resolution formally recognizes his academic achievement, which was selected from only 26 Tennessee community college students through the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. This commemorative resolution, passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor, has no policy or legal effect beyond expressing official commendation. It directly affects only the named student as a gesture of recognition.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 514 honors Chloey Marshall, a North Greene Middle School student, for winning second place in the Baileyton Veterans Memorial sign design contest. The resolution recognizes her creativity and civic engagement in designing a sign for a memorial honoring veterans, expressing the Tennessee General Assembly's commendation of her achievement. It serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for her contribution to community recognition of veterans' service.

Maddy summarySJR 511 is a commemorative resolution honoring 24 students from Unicoi County High School's Future Health Professionals (FHP) chapter for their volunteer service during Hurricane Helene. The resolution recognizes their direct community assistance, including providing care and support to residents affected by the hurricane while facing their own hardships. It specifically names the students and their teacher, Rachel Rice, and celebrates their humanitarian efforts. As a symbolic gesture, this resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges their service through official state recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Karina Laureano Ruiz, a Walters State Community College pre-dental hygiene student from Morristown, for being named to Tennessee's All-Tennessee Academic Team. It recognizes her scholastic achievements as one of only 26 students selected statewide by the Tennessee Board of Regents' SOAR celebration. The resolution serves as a ceremonial commendation from the Tennessee General Assembly with no legislative or policy impact.

Maddy summarySJR 420 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Greeneville and Greene County for being named among the top ten small cities (with populations of 10,000-50,000) in the U.S. by Site Selection Magazine for the second consecutive year. It recognizes their economic development achievements, specifically business expansions and job growth at the former Greene Valley Developmental Center, as the reason for this national ranking. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture of state recognition, with no binding legal effect, celebrating the community's growth and success.