Tennessee House Bill HJR0159

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 Charles Traughber to the state university board of Tennessee State University.

Summary

House Joint Resolution 159 confirms the appointment of Charles Traughber to the Tennessee State University Board. The resolution recites the statutory framework governing the board, notes that the governor appoints eight members, and states that gubernatorial appointees are subject to confirmation by both chambers of the General Assembly. It also identifies Traughber’s background as a Tennessee State University alumnus, University of Tennessee College of Law graduate, and current general counsel at Bridgestone Americas, along with prior service on several civic and university-related boards. The resolution does not create new policy or change the structure of Tennessee State University governance; instead, it carries out the existing confirmation requirement in Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-8-201 by approving a specific board appointment through March 31, 2030. Its practical effect is to authorize Traughber to serve as a voting member of the state university board for Tennessee State University, which helps maintain the board’s membership and oversight function.

Impact

HJR 159 affects Tennessee Code Annotated Title 49, Chapter 8, specifically the provisions governing Tennessee State University’s state university board and the confirmation process for gubernatorial appointees. The resolution has no direct fiscal or regulatory impact on the public, but it determines the composition of the university’s governing board and thereby influences institutional oversight, policy direction, and administration at Tennessee State University.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been received positively 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 transcripts or debate suggests the appointment was viewed as routine and uncontentious.

Contention

No notable points of contention are reflected in the available record. The resolution is a standard confirmation measure, and the votes show unanimous support in committee and on the House floor. Any potential discussion would likely have centered on the qualifications and background of the appointee rather than on the policy substance of the resolution, but no such objections or concerns are documented here.