Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HB1479

Introduced
1/8/26  
Refer
1/14/26  
Refer
2/9/26  
Refer
2/18/26  
Engrossed
2/24/26  
Enrolled
3/10/26  
Passed
3/26/26  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 15, Chapter 2, relative to days of special observance.

Summary

HB1479 adds a new section to Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 15, Chapter 2, designating November 2 of each year as "James K. Polk Day." The bill is a commemorative measure intended to honor the life and public service of James K. Polk, including his ties to Tennessee, his service in the Tennessee General Assembly, his tenure as governor, and his presidency of the United States. The bill does not create a regulatory program, tax change, or enforcement mechanism. Instead, it establishes a state day of special observance recognizing Polk’s historical significance and his role in the expansion of the United States during his presidency. The act takes effect upon becoming law.

Impact

The bill amends Tennessee law by adding a new observance to Title 15, Chapter 2, which governs days of special observance. Its practical legal effect is limited to officially recognizing November 2 as "James K. Polk Day" in state law, without altering rights, duties, or obligations of individuals, businesses, or government agencies beyond the symbolic designation.

Sentiment

The legislative sentiment appears strongly favorable. The bill advanced through committee with majority support and then passed the House on consent calendar with no recorded opposition, followed by a unanimous motion to adopt. The votes suggest broad agreement that honoring James K. Polk is appropriate and noncontroversial.

Contention

There is little evidence of substantive contention in the available record, and no committee transcripts were provided. The only visible opposition occurred in the early committee stages, where the bill received some nays before moving forward, but those objections are not explained in the materials. Overall, any disagreement appears limited and procedural rather than focused on the merits of the commemorative designation.

Companion Bills

TN SB1718

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 15, Chapter 2, relative to days of special observance.

Previously Filed As

TN SB1718

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 15, Chapter 2, relative to days of special observance.

TN HB1529

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 15, Chapter 2, relative to days of special observance.

TN SB1732

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 15, Chapter 2, relative to days of special observance.

TN HB1480

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 15, Chapter 2, relative to days of special observance.

TN SB1943

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 15, Chapter 2, relative to days of special observance.

TN HB1784

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 15, Chapter 2, relative to days of special observance.

TN SB1940

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 15, Chapter 2, relative to days of special observance.

TN HB0326

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 15, Chapter 2, relative to days of special observance.

TN SB0631

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 15, Chapter 2, relative to days of special observance.

TN HB0325

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 15, Chapter 2, relative to special days of observance.

Similar Bills

TN HB2560

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; Title 13; Title 16; Title 39; Title 55; Title 58; Title 62; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to emergency management.

TN SB2248

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; Title 13; Title 16; Title 39; Title 55; Title 58; Title 62; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to emergency management.

TN SB0329

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN HB0321

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN HB1189

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN SB1227

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN HB0806

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN SB1235

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 21; Title 9; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to state entities.