Tennessee Senate Bill SB0794

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/25
• Engrossed: 2/27/25
• Enrolled: 4/1/25
• Passed: 4/11/25
• Chaptered: 4/30/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 1, Part 3, relative to bands.

Summary

SB0794 is a commemorative designation bill that amends Tennessee law to name the Southern Stars Symphonic Brass as the official brass band of the State of Tennessee. The bill is framed as a recognition measure, reciting the group’s Tennessee roots, membership, performances across the state, and appearances at the Great American Brass Band Festival. It does not create a regulatory program, funding mechanism, or new duties for state agencies; instead, it adds a new section to Title 4, Chapter 1, Part 3 of the Tennessee Code Annotated to confer an honorary state title. The practical effect of the bill is limited to state symbolism and public recognition. By codifying the designation in state law, Tennessee formally elevates the ensemble to an official state honor alongside other state symbols and designations. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law, reflecting that it is intended to be ceremonial rather than operational.

Impact

SB0794 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 1, Part 3, by adding a new section designating the Southern Stars Symphonic Brass as the official brass band of Tennessee. The bill affects no private rights, taxes, licensing rules, or agency procedures; its legal impact is confined to the state’s roster of official honors and symbols. The primary parties affected are the named musical group and, more broadly, the state’s symbolic recognition framework.

Sentiment

The sentiment around the bill appears strongly positive and noncontroversial. The bill passed the Senate State & Local Government Committee unanimously 9-0 and later passed the floor motion to adopt unanimously 32-0. The bill text itself is celebratory, emphasizing Tennessee’s musical heritage and the ensemble’s artistic and philanthropic contributions, which suggests broad bipartisan support for the recognition.

Contention

There is no evident substantive contention in the available record. No committee transcript objections are provided, and the recorded votes were unanimous. Because the bill is honorary and does not alter policy, budget, or regulatory authority, there were no apparent disagreements over implementation or legal effect. Any discussion likely centered on whether the ensemble merited the honor, but the available materials show no opposition.