Tennessee Senate Bill SJR0629

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/26

Caption

A RESOLUTION to confirm the appointment of Dane Scism to the advisory board for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Summary

SJR 629 is a joint resolution confirming Governor Bill Lee’s appointment of Dane Scism to the advisory board for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The resolution recites the statutory framework for UT advisory boards and states that members appointed by the governor must be confirmed by the General Assembly. It identifies Scism as the CEO and founder of Cellular Sales and notes his UT Knoxville degree, alumni recognition, campus involvement, and community service. The measure does not create new policy or change university governance law; instead, it carries out the confirmation process required under Tennessee Code Annotated section 49-9-501. If adopted, it would authorize Scism to serve on the UT Knoxville advisory board through June 30, 2029, as one of the governor-appointed members. Its practical effect is limited to filling and validating a specific advisory board seat at the university.

Impact

SJR 629 affects Tennessee Code Annotated section 49-9-501 only in the sense that it implements the existing confirmation requirement for gubernatorial appointees to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville advisory board. It does not amend the statute, alter board structure, or impose new duties on the university or state agencies. The resolution’s legal effect is to confirm one individual’s appointment and thereby allow him to serve on the advisory board for the stated term.

Sentiment

The available voting history shows strong support and no recorded opposition. The Senate Education Committee recommended adoption by a 7-0 vote, and the floor motion to adopt passed 29-0. The bill text itself is also favorable in tone, emphasizing Scism’s business success, philanthropy, and longstanding connection to the University of Tennessee, which suggests a broadly positive reception.

Contention

There is no evident substantive controversy in the bill text or voting record. Because the resolution is a confirmation of a single university advisory board appointment, any potential concern would likely be limited to the suitability of the appointee rather than the policy merits of the measure. No committee transcript discussion was provided, and the unanimous votes indicate no visible disagreement among legislators.