Tennessee House Bill HJR0157

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 Terica Smith to the state university board of Tennessee State University.

Summary

House Joint Resolution 157 confirms Governor Bill Lee’s appointment of Terica Smith to the Tennessee State University state university board for a term ending March 31, 2028. The resolution recites the statutory framework governing the board, including the governor’s authority to appoint members and the requirement that appointments be confirmed by both chambers of the General Assembly. The resolution also identifies Smith’s qualifications and background, noting that she is a Tennessee State University graduate and a graduate of the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. It further notes her service as deputy mayor and director of human resources for Madison County, as well as prior gubernatorial appointments to the Board of Judicial Conduct and the Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments.

Impact

The measure does not change substantive law; instead, it exercises the legislature’s confirmation role under Tennessee Code Annotated section 49-8-201. Its effect is to formally authorize Terica Smith to serve on the Tennessee State University board through March 31, 2028, thereby filling or continuing a gubernatorial appointment to the governing body responsible for oversight of the university.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been received 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 little to no opposition in the available record. The absence of committee transcript discussion also suggests the appointment was treated as routine and uncontentious.

Contention

No notable points of contention are reflected in the available materials. The only substantive issue is the confirmation itself, which is required by statute for gubernatorial appointees to the Tennessee State University board. Because the vote was unanimous in committee and on the House floor, there is no evidence of disagreement over Smith’s qualifications, the appointment process, or the governance structure of the board.