Bill
SJR 90
Alabama's concurrent memorial resolution honors Judge David Joe Breland for public service, juvenile justice reform leadership, and community impact; ceremonial, with no new laws.
Purpose and Intent
- SJR 90 is a concurrent memorial resolution recognizing and mourning the death of Judge David Joe Breland of Decatur, Alabama (d. April 30, 2025, at age 72) and celebrating his life and public service.
- The resolution offers condolences to Judge Breland’s family and honors his contributions to the community, the state, and the spirit of public service.
Key Provisions and Content
- Formal mourning and tribute: The resolution records the death with “deep sadness” and, while mourning the loss, celebrates Breland’s life, character, and leadership.
- Biographical highlights:
- Born March 16, 1953, in Decatur; son of Judge Edwin DeWitt Breland, Sr. and Hazel Dykes Breland.
- Education: Decatur High School (1971) and The University of Alabama.
- Legal and judicial career: Joined his father’s practice, then was appointed Morgan County District Judge in 1983 by Governor George Wallace; served 25 years and was re-elected four times without opposition.
- Juvenile justice reform: Led community-based services that became a statewide model influencing the Alabama Juvenile Justice Act of 2008; served as a trusted advisor and statewide coordinator on juvenile justice initiatives.
- Post-judicial service: Director of Historic Resources for the City of Decatur, overseeing restoration projects such as the Old State Bank and the Historic Union Depot.
- Awards and honors: Barrett C. Shelton Sr. Freedom Award; Paul Harris Fellow; Silver Beaver and Whitney Young Awards from the Boy Scouts of America; induction into the Morgan County Schools Foundation Leadership Hall of Fame; service on the Alabama Historical Commission; leadership roles in Rotary Club and Decatur-Morgan Hospital.
- Personal: Devout Christian, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and community leader.
- Family: Survived by wife Drama Dorning Breland; son Will (Brooke); daughter Mary Katherine (Michael); grandchildren Grady Phillips, Mira Breland, Spencer Breland, James Tichenor, Mary Stephen Phillips (Stevie); sister Carolyn Lee Breland (preceded by parents and sister).
Procedural and Timeline Aspects
- Introduced: May 6, 2025.
- Legislative action: Read for the first time May 6; House and Senate process culminating in concurrent adoption.
- Enactment timeline: Enrolled May 7, 2025; delivered to the Governor May 7, 2025; enacted as a resolution on May 14, 2025.
- Nature of measure: A concurrent resolution (SJR) memorializing an individual; not a new law or fiscal policy.
Impact and Beneficiaries
- Primary effect: ceremonial recognition by the Alabama Legislature; formal acknowledgment of Judge Breland’s contributions and a tribute to his memory.
- Beneficiaries: Judge Breland’s family and the broader Decatur and Alabama communities, which gain formal recognition of his public service and community leadership.
Notes
- While called “Enacted,” SJR 90 functions as a memorial resolution and does not create new statutory rights or obligations or require new funding.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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