Bill
SJR 722
Tennessee declares non-binding support for Israel, its right to defend itself, and commemorates the return of hostages, reinforcing state alignment with Israel.
Purpose and intent
- SJR 722 is a non-binding resolution approved by the Tennessee Senate (and awaiting concurrence by the House) that affirms Tennessee’s support for the State of Israel.
- It states solidarity with Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism and commemorates the final return of all hostages from Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks.
- The resolution frames the U.S.–Tennessee–Israel relationship as longstanding and mutually beneficial, highlighting shared democratic values and strategic/economic ties.
Key provisions and changes
- Formal declaration of support: The resolution explicitly expresses Tennessee’s support for Israel and its right to defend itself against terrorism.
- Commemoration: It commemorates the final return of all hostages held by Hamas following the October 7, 2023 attacks.
- Relationship framing: Emphasizes a “special relationship” based on shared democratic values, security interests, and mutual respect between the U.S., Tennessee, and Israel.
- Economic context: Cites Israel as a valued economic partner for Tennessee, noting specific export and trade figures (e.g., $95.7 million in manufactured goods exported to Israel in 2025; over $442 million since 2021) and Israel’s status as a trading partner.
- Historical and geopolitical context: References U.S. involvement in the Abraham Accords and the broader potential for regional cooperation and peace.
Who is affected
- Legislatively, the resolution expresses the position of the Tennessee General Assembly; it does not create new obligations or fund state programs.
- It signals to state agencies, institutions, and the public the legislature’s stance on foreign policy alignment with Israel and related security considerations.
- The resolution may influence public messaging and policy posture within state government and among Tennessee residents with interests in U.S.–Israel relations.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Status: Introduced and assigned to appropriate committees; advanced through Senate Finance, Ways, and Means before moving to the Senate Regular Calendar and House concurrence process.
- Key dates in the record:
- Introduced: February 12, 2026
- Passed on First Consideration: February 12, 2026
- Deferred/continued discussions in Senate Finance, Ways, and Means on March 10 and March 17, 2026
- Reported favorably from committee: March 24, 2026
- Placed on Senate Regular Calendar: April 10, 2026
- Passed Senate: April 13, 2026 (Adopted, 27 ayes – 6 nays)
- Reflected for House concurrence: April 14, 2026 (delayed bills committee reference)
- Fiscal impact: Fiscal Note indicates “NOT SIGNIFICANT”; the measure is non-binding and does not affect state or local government operations or require new funding.
Sponsorship
- Primary sponsor: Senator Mark Pody
- Co-sponsor: (Noted in the record as Mark Pody; no additional named co-sponsors listed in the provided excerpt)
Bottom line
- SJR 722 is a declarative, non-binding resolution affirming Tennessee’s support for Israel, condemning terrorism, and commemorating the return of hostages from the Hamas attacks. It reinforces the state’s stated foreign-policy posture and highlights existing economic ties with Israel, without establishing new laws or fiscal commitments. The measure reflects the General Assembly’s alignment with a broad pro-Israel stance and ongoing U.S.–Israel friendship.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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