Tennessee Senate Bill SJR0307

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/20/25
• Engrossed: 3/20/25
• Enrolled: 3/20/25
• Passed: 3/24/25

Caption

A RESOLUTION to call a joint convention of the Senate and House of Representatives for the purpose of voting on the confirmation of Judge Valerie Smith to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Western Section, and Judge Steven Sword to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Section, pursuant to Article VI, Section 3 of the Constitution of Tennessee and Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 17, Chapter 4.

Summary

Senate Joint Resolution 307 is a procedural resolution that calls the Tennessee House and Senate into joint convention on March 24, 2025, for the purpose of voting on the confirmation of two appellate judicial nominees: Judge Valerie Smith for the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Western Section, and Judge Steven Sword for the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Section. The resolution cites the Tennessee Constitution and Tennessee Code Annotated as the legal basis for the joint confirmation vote. The measure does not change substantive law or create new policy. Instead, it sets the time, place, and purpose for the General Assembly to exercise its constitutional role in confirming judges to the Court of Appeals. Its practical effect is to advance the appointment process for the two nominees and to formalize legislative consideration of their confirmations.

Impact

SJR0307 affects the legislative confirmation process for appellate judges in Tennessee by convening a joint session of the General Assembly under Article VI, Section 3 of the Tennessee Constitution and Title 17, Chapter 4 of the Tennessee Code. It does not amend statutes or alter court jurisdiction, but it directly impacts the status of the two nominees and the composition of the Tennessee Court of Appeals if they are confirmed.

Sentiment

Because the bill is a scheduling and confirmation resolution rather than a policy dispute, the available record shows no recorded committee debate or votes indicating controversy. The general sentiment appears procedural and neutral, with the resolution serving as the formal mechanism for legislative review of judicial nominees. In the absence of transcript or vote data, there is no evidence of opposition or support beyond the routine handling of judicial confirmations.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Any disagreement would likely center on the qualifications, judicial philosophy, or confirmation of Judge Valerie Smith and Judge Steven Sword, but the record here contains no committee discussion, amendments, or vote totals to identify actual objections or supporters.