Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SJR0202

Introduced
3/4/25  
Engrossed
3/13/25  
Enrolled
3/20/25  

Caption

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend the Tennessee State University Speech and Debate Team for their exceptional performance at the Tennessee Forensics Association State Championship.

Summary

Senate Joint Resolution 202 is a ceremonial resolution honoring and commending the Tennessee State University Speech and Debate Team for its performance at the Tennessee Forensics Association State Championship. The resolution highlights the team’s strong showing, including 43 awards, seven state championship titles, second place in both Individual Events Sweepstakes and Team Sweepstakes, and standout individual performances by several students across debate and interpretation events. The resolution also recognizes the broader accomplishments of the team members and frames their success as a source of pride for Tennessee State University, their families, and the state. It expresses the General Assembly’s appreciation for the students’ intellect, preparation, and poise, and extends best wishes for their future success at national competition.

Impact

This resolution does not change state law, create new regulatory requirements, or appropriate funds. Its legal effect is limited to formal legislative recognition and commendation of a student academic team, with an instruction that an appropriate copy be prepared for presentation. The practical impact is symbolic, serving to place the team’s achievements into the official record of the Tennessee General Assembly and to publicly celebrate Tennessee State University and its students.

Sentiment

The sentiment around the bill is strongly positive and unanimous. The votes show clear support, with a 32-0 floor vote to adopt and a 94-0 vote for passage on third consideration. The resolution’s language is entirely laudatory, emphasizing excellence, state pride, and congratulations rather than policy debate.

Contention

There is no notable substantive contention reflected in the bill text, committee record, or voting history. Because this is a commemorative resolution, it appears to have been noncontroversial and passed without opposition. Any discussion would likely have centered on the team’s accomplishments and the appropriateness of formal recognition, rather than on competing policy positions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TN HR107

Honoring the Oakwood High School speech and debate team as a 2025 Ohio Speech and Debate Association State Champion.

TN SJR1039

A RESOLUTION to honor the 3rd Annual Tennessee Small Band Association State Championship.

TN SJR0364

A RESOLUTION to recognize and commend the Tennessee Small Band Association's second annual state championship.

TN SJR0888

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend the Prescott South Middle School Bulldogs boys' basketball team on winning the Tennessee Middle School Athletic Association Class 2A state championship.

TN H4876

Wilson Hall Boys Cross Country State Championship

TN HR384

Honoring the Oakwood High School speech and debate team on winning the 2026 OSDA State Championship.

TN HR1416

Congratulating the UT Austin speech team on winning the national championship at the 2025 American Forensic Association National Speech Tournament.

TN SJR0965

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend the West Valley Middle School Lady Wolves girls' basketball team on winning the Tennessee Middle School Athletic Association Class 3A state championship.

TN HR403

Honoring Anna Yang on placing first at the 2026 Ohio Speech and Debate Association State Competition.

TN SJR1027

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend the Freed-Hardeman University men's basketball team upon winning the 2026 NAIA championship.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.