Tennessee House Bill HJR0155

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/25
• Refer: 2/10/25
• Refer: 3/4/25
• Engrossed: 3/11/25
• Enrolled: 3/14/25
• Passed: 3/25/25

Caption

A RESOLUTION to confirm the appointment of Trevia Chatman to the state university board of Tennessee State University.

Summary

House Joint Resolution 155 confirms the appointment of Trevia Chatman to the Tennessee State University state university board for a term ending March 31, 2027. The resolution recites the statutory framework governing Tennessee State University’s board and notes that gubernatorial appointees are subject to confirmation by both chambers of the General Assembly. The measure is largely ceremonial and appointment-specific rather than a policy bill. It does not change the structure of the board, alter university governance rules, or amend substantive state law; instead, it gives legislative approval to a single board appointment made by Governor Bill Lee. The resolution also highlights Chatman’s background as a TSU alumna, banking executive, and community leader as support for her confirmation.

Impact

HJR0155 affects Tennessee Code Annotated sections governing Tennessee State University board appointments only insofar as it carries out the existing confirmation requirement in Section 49-8-201. It does not create new law or modify the board’s powers, membership rules, or university operations; its legal effect is to confirm Trevia Chatman’s service on the board through March 31, 2027.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been received very favorably and without controversy. It passed the House Education Committee 17-0 and later passed the House on the consent calendar by a 94-0 vote, indicating broad bipartisan support and no recorded opposition in the available history. The lack of committee transcript discussion suggests the appointment was treated as routine and uncontentious.

Contention

No notable points of contention are reflected in the available record. The only substantive considerations apparent from the bill text are whether the appointee meets the statutory expectations for board membership, including alumni status and Tennessee residency requirements for the board as a whole. Because the resolution is a confirmation of an individual appointment, any disagreement would likely have centered on the nominee’s qualifications or the governor’s selection, but no such objections appear in the votes or available discussion.