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SR 296

Commending James Douglas Butler, Sr.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Timmy French

A ceremonial Senate memorial honors William B. West Sr. and recognizes Petty Officer (Ret.) Diesha Blackmon for Navy service and community contributions.

Bill text as passed Senate (SR296ER)
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Bill Summary · SR 296

Summary — SR 296 (Resolution Adopted)

Main purpose

SR 296 is a ceremonial Senate resolution that honors and memorializes individuals for public record and to express the Senate’s condolences and commendation. The available text contains two distinct resolution texts that were combined in the version provided:

  • A commendation recognizing Petty Officer (Ret.) Diesha Blackmon for her U.S. Navy service and community contributions.
  • A memorial resolution mourning the death of William Bruce “Bill” West Sr. of Hanna City, Illinois, and extending condolences to his family.

Given the bill title (“MEMORIAL — WILLIAM B. WEST SR.”) and legislative captioning, the principal action is the memorial for William B. West Sr.; the Blackmon commendation appears as an additional or separately authored resolution text present in the document.

Key provisions and content

  • Memorial for William B. West Sr.

    • Notes his birth on June 22, 1934 (Logan Township, Peoria County) and death on April 1, 2025.
    • Summarizes his biography: Farmington High School alumnus, University of Illinois graduate with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, member of Alpha Gamma Rho, U.S. Army service (stationed in Germany), lifelong farmer.
    • Civic and community roles: elder at Hanna City Presbyterian Church, volunteer chaplain at Methodist Hospital, Farmington East High School board member, Logan Township trustee, member of Peoria County Pork Producers and Farm Bureau.
    • Lists survivors (wife Arlene; children W. Bruce West and Jeffery West; grandchildren and great‑grandchildren) and family members deceased.
    • Resolves that the Senate mourns his passing, extends condolences, and directs that a suitable copy of the resolution be presented to his family.

  • Commendation for Petty Officer (Ret.) Diesha Blackmon

    • Records birthdate (July 16, 1985), upbringing in Florida and Augusta, GA, and graduation from George P. Butler High School (2003).
    • Education: attended Fort Valley State University (biology and sports medicine).
    • Military service: enlisted in U.S. Navy in 2009 as an Aviation Ordnanceman; training in Chicago, Pensacola, and Virginia Beach; served aboard USS Carl Vinson; concluded service at NAS Lemoore and received an honorable discharge in September 2019.
    • Post‑service: pursued nursing and psychology studies, works as a life coach, and contributes to the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of Black Military Women.
    • Resolves the Senate recognize and commend her service and community contributions, and authorizes the Secretary to provide an appropriate copy of the resolution to her.

Who is affected

  • Primarily ceremonial: the family and acquaintances of William B. West Sr., and Petty Officer (Ret.) Diesha Blackmon are publicly recognized.
  • Local communities referenced: Hanna City, Farmington, Peoria County (IL), and Atlanta (for Blackmon activities).
  • No legal, regulatory, or budgetary effects—this is nonbinding ceremonial action.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced: March 18, 2025 (received by Secretary of the Senate).
  • Read & Adopted: Senate actions recorded Feb–May 2025 (entries include Senate Read & Adopted 2025‑02‑28; Read & Adopted 2025‑03‑19; Reported enrolled 2025‑03‑19).
  • Final adoption and filing: Resolution Adopted (listed 2025‑05‑08); filed with Secretary 2025‑05‑07; co‑sponsored by all senators and placed on the Resolutions Consent Calendar (5/7/2025).
  • Sponsor list (primary sponsors): Nikki Merritt; Derek Mallow; Freddie Powell Sims; Harold Jones II; Tonya Anderson; Gail Davenport; Jason Esteves; Michael ‘Doc’ Rhett; Kenya Wicks; Chuck Payne; Sally Harrell; Elena Parent; Ed Harbison; Randal Mangham; Neil Anderson.

Impact

SR 296 serves a commemorative purpose only—documenting the Legislature’s recognition of service and mourning of a deceased constituent. It creates no legal obligations or fiscal changes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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