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HJR 139

Jacks Benton, commended

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Blackshear

Ceremonial resolution commends 5-year-old Jacks Benton for winning the Big Buck Photo Contest and honors the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association; non-binding recognition.

Enacted
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Bill Summary · HJR 139

Summary — HJR 139 (2025): Commending Jacks Benton

Status: Enacted
Bill Type: House Joint Resolution (ceremonial)
Introduced: February 18, 2025
House Sponsor: Representative Blackshear
Enacted: April 8, 2025
Related: HJR 143 (companion)

Purpose / Intent

HJR 139 is a ceremonial resolution formally commending 5‑year‑old Jacks Benton for winning the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association’s 13th Annual Big Buck Photo Contest. The resolution recognizes his accomplishment (harvesting his first buck on family land in Russell County) and expresses appreciation for the Association’s work promoting outdoor recreation and tourism in Alabama’s Black Belt.

Key provisions

  • Officially commends Jacks Benton for:
    • Harvesting his first buck during a family outing with his father, Brad, on family land in Russell County.
    • Winning the 13th Annual Big Buck Photo Contest; his photo received the most online votes and drew statewide media attention.
  • Expresses appreciation to the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association for promoting outdoor recreation and tourism in the Black Belt.
  • Recites background information about the Association’s mission and identifies the 23 counties commonly considered part of Alabama’s Black Belt (Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, Wilcox).

Who is affected

  • Primary honoree: Jacks Benton (5 years old) and his family (notably his father, Brad).
  • Recognized organization: Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association.
  • Broader: Symbolic recognition for the Black Belt region and its outdoor‑recreation promotion efforts. The resolution is honorary and does not change law, create obligations, or authorize spending.

Procedural timeline / actions

  • Filed: 2025-02-18
  • First read (House): 2025-03-18 / 03-19
  • Referred to House Rules; reported out and adopted (voice vote by motion of Lovvorn)
  • Received in Senate; referred to Senate Rules; reported
  • Enrolled: 2025-03-20
  • Delivered to Governor: 2025-04-01
  • Enacted: 2025-04-08

Impact

HJR 139 is a non‑binding, honorary resolution. It confers legislative recognition and publicity but imposes no legal, regulatory, or fiscal changes. It primarily serves to honor the individual and acknowledge the Association’s promotional role for the Black Belt.

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

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