Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SR0287

Introduced
2/2/26  
Enrolled
3/3/26  

Caption

A RESOLUTION to confirm the appointment of Matt Herriman of Murfreesboro to the Tennessee board of regents.

Summary

Senate Resolution 287 confirms the appointment of Matt Herriman of Murfreesboro to the Tennessee Board of Regents. The resolution recites the statutory framework governing the board and the governor’s authority to appoint ten members, then states that Herriman was appointed to represent the 4th Congressional District for a term ending June 30, 2028. It also includes background on Herriman’s professional and public-service experience, including work in real estate, prior roles with the governor’s office, the Senate Republican Caucus, the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action, and Noble Education Initiative. Because this is a confirmation resolution rather than a substantive policy bill, it does not change the structure of higher education law or alter the powers of the Tennessee Board of Regents. Its legal effect is limited to legislative approval of a gubernatorial appointment under Tennessee Code Annotated section 49-8-201, thereby allowing Herriman to serve on the board for the stated term. The resolution primarily affects the composition of the state’s higher education governing body and, indirectly, the institutions and students overseen by that board.

Impact

The resolution has a narrow legal impact: it fulfills the Senate’s confirmation role for a governor-appointed member of the Tennessee Board of Regents under Tennessee Code Annotated section 49-8-201. It does not amend education statutes, create new programs, or change board authority; instead, it authorizes the named appointee to occupy a board seat representing the 4th Congressional District through June 30, 2028. The practical effect is to shape the membership of the state body that oversees Tennessee’s public higher education system.

Sentiment

The available voting history indicates strong support and little opposition. The Senate Education Committee recommended adoption on a 9-0 vote, and the full Senate adopted the resolution on a 32-0 vote. The bill text itself is complimentary toward the appointee, describing him as accomplished and committed to public service, and there is no record of committee debate or dissent in the provided materials.

Contention

No substantive controversy is reflected in the provided record. The only potentially notable point is the appointee’s background, which includes prior work for Republican political organizations and the NRA’s legislative arm, along with service in Governor Bill Lee’s administration. However, the unanimous committee and floor votes suggest that any such considerations did not generate visible opposition in this proceeding. The resolution appears to have been treated as a routine confirmation matter.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TN SR0342

A RESOLUTION to confirm the appointment of Kelly G Rollins of Murfreesboro to the State Board of Education.

TN SR0288

A RESOLUTION to confirm the appointment of Miles Burdine of Kingsport to the Tennessee board of regents.

TN SR0011

A RESOLUTION to confirm the appointment of Nisha Powers of Memphis to the Tennessee board of regents.

TN SR0013

A RESOLUTION to confirm the appointment of Jeremy Harrell of Eagleville to the Tennessee board of regents.

TN SR0286

A RESOLUTION to confirm the appointment of Christi Branscom of Knoxville to the Tennessee board of regents.

TN SR0012

A RESOLUTION to confirm the appointment of Deanne Dewitt of Sumner County to the Tennessee board of regents.

TN SR236

A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Matthew Grimshaw to the Kentucky State University Board of Regents.

TN SJR0626

A RESOLUTION to confirm the appointment of Doran Johnson to the advisory board for the University of Tennessee Southern.

TN HJR0893

A RESOLUTION to confirm the appointment of Doran Johnson to the advisory board for the University of Tennessee Southern.

TN SR175

A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Garth Bustle to the Eastern Kentucky University Board of Regents.

Similar Bills

TN HB2560

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; Title 13; Title 16; Title 39; Title 55; Title 58; Title 62; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to emergency management.

TN SB2248

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; Title 13; Title 16; Title 39; Title 55; Title 58; Title 62; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to emergency management.

TN SB0329

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN HB0321

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN HB1189

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN SB1227

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN HB0806

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN SB1235

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 21; Title 9; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to state entities.