AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3, Chapter 1 and Title 4, Chapter 8, relative to measures to honor the service of former members of the house of representatives.
Summary
HB0346 is a commemorative measure that names House Chamber seat number 60 the "Legislative Desk of Representative John J. Deberry, Jr." The bill also directs the chief clerk of the House, or the clerkâs designee, to install a plaque on the side of the desk recognizing the naming. It is a narrow, symbolic bill focused on honoring the service of a former member of the Tennessee House of Representatives.
The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 3 and 4 only to the extent needed to authorize this specific designation and plaque installation. It does not create a new regulatory program, change benefits, or impose substantive obligations on the public; its legal effect is limited to the official naming of a legislative desk and the associated commemorative display within the House chamber.
Impact
HB0346 affects state law by adding a specific honorary designation for House chamber seat number 60 and assigning the House chief clerk responsibility for the plaque installation. Its practical impact is limited to legislative chamber property and internal House administration, with no direct effect on private parties, local governments, or broader regulatory statutes beyond the naming authority it creates.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the bill. It received committee recommendations for passage in both the House Naming & Designating Committee and the House State & Local Government Committee, though each vote included a small minority of opposing votes. The pattern indicates broad support for honoring Representative Deberry, with some limited dissent or hesitation about the measure.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be not the tribute itself, but whether the legislature should devote time and statutory action to a commemorative naming bill. The recorded no votes in committee suggest that a minority of members were unconvinced or preferred not to advance the measure, but no transcript is available to show specific objections. Because the bill is symbolic and noncontroversial in substance, any disagreement likely centered on legislative priorities rather than policy effects.
Crossfiled
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3, Chapter 1 and Title 4, Chapter 8, relative to measures to honor the service of former members of the house of representatives.