Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SJR0959

Introduced
3/19/26  
Engrossed
3/30/26  
Enrolled
4/7/26  

Caption

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend Dr. Carroll Van West for his service to the people of the State of Tennessee.

Summary

SJR0959 is a ceremonial joint resolution honoring and commending Dr. Carroll Van West for more than forty years of service to Tennessee. The resolution recites his academic background, his long career at Middle Tennessee State University, and his leadership of the Center for Historic Preservation, including his work on the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, the Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture, and efforts to preserve historic sites and develop historic trails. The resolution also recognizes Dr. West’s broader contributions as a professor, author, editor, and historian, and notes his designation as Tennessee State Historian in 2013. It is framed as a formal expression of appreciation by the General Assembly rather than as a measure creating or changing policy.

Impact

This resolution does not amend state law, create new statutory duties, or appropriate funds. Its effect is purely honorary: it directs that an official copy be prepared for presentation and formally records legislative recognition of Dr. West’s service and contributions to historic preservation, education, and Tennessee history. No statutes, agencies, or regulated parties are directly affected.

Sentiment

The available voting history shows unanimous support, with a 33-0 floor vote to adopt and an 89-0 vote for passage on third consideration. There were no committee transcripts or recorded objections in the provided materials, indicating broad bipartisan agreement and a generally celebratory tone around the resolution.

Contention

No notable points of contention appear in the bill text or the available discussion and voting record. Because the measure is a commendation resolution, it does not present policy disputes, fiscal concerns, or implementation issues; the only substantive content is praise for Dr. West’s career and preservation work.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TN HR0173

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend the Tennessee Century Farms Program on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary.

TN HJR1516

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend former United States Congressman Robert Nelson Clement for his distinguished service to the State of Tennessee.

TN SJR1104

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend Dr. Chelsea T. Dowell for her service to the State of Tennessee.

TN SJR0377

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend Dr. Carroll Rose on the occasion of his retirement.

TN SJR0333

A RESOLUTION to commend Lonnie Spivak for his honorable and astute service to the good people of Tennessee.

TN HJR0685

A RESOLUTION to commend Osie B. Lewis, Jr., for his service to the State of Tennessee.

TN SJR0550

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend R. Larry Smith of Knox County for decades of devoted service to the State of Tennessee.

TN HJR0125

A RESOLUTION to honor Charles Robert Jones on his lifetime of service to his community and the State of Tennessee.

TN SJR1172

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend R. Larry Smith of Knox County for decades of devoted service to the State of Tennessee.

TN HR0160

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend Dr. Carolyn Baldwin Tucker for her contributions to the State of Tennessee.

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