Memorials, Academic Achievement - Justice Cook, Valedictorian, Halls High School -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Rose

SR 173 ceremonially commends Pastor Mike Wicker, First Lady Tara Wicker, and the My God Votes initiative for faith-based public service and civic engagement, with no legal effect.

Signed by Senate Speaker

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Summary — SR 173 (Resolution of Commendation)

Status: Enrolled — Signed by President of the Senate and sent to the Secretary of State (enrolled 2025-06-10).
Introduced: February 25, 2025.
Classification: Senate resolution (commendation).
Primary sponsors: Ed Harbison; Michael W. Halpin; Heather Cloud.
Related measures: HR 189, SCR 193 (companions).

Purpose / Intent

SR 173 is a non‑binding legislative resolution that formally commends and congratulates Pastor Mike Wicker and First Lady Tara Wicker for their “unwavering commitment to faith, family and life,” recognizes their leadership of the My God Votes initiative, and acknowledges their civic engagement and activities at the State Capitol. The resolution is symbolic — intended to honor the Wickers publicly and to record the legislature’s appreciation.

Key provisions

Officially commends Pastor Mike Wicker and First Lady Tara Wicker for their leadership and public service.

Specifically recognizes their efforts through “My God Votes” and their activities at the State Capitol.

Directs dissemination or presentation of an appropriate copy of the resolution to the honorees (typical for commendation resolutions; the enrolled status indicates any required distribution steps were completed).

Note: The measure is a simple recognition/commendation resolution and does not create or amend statutes, appropriate funds, or impose regulatory requirements.

Who is affected

Directly affected: Pastor Mike Wicker, First Lady Tara Wicker, and the My God Votes initiative — the honorees receive formal legislative recognition.

Indirectly affected: Constituents and organizations associated with the Wickers may receive publicity or formal acknowledgment; there are no legal, budgetary, or administrative effects on state agencies, programs, or private parties.

Procedural and timeline highlights

Introduced: February 25, 2025.

Committee referrals and actions: Referred to committee(s) in March 2025; committee reported the measure with amendments (SD1) and recommended adoption.

Senate action: Read and adopted; recorded vote noted (3rd reading adoption recorded 38–0 on March 27, 2025 in one entry).

Amendment/Report: Report and Resolution Adopted, as amended (SD1) on April 1, 2025.

Finalization: Reported enrolled and officially enrolled on June 10, 2025; signed by the President of the Senate and transmitted to the Secretary of State.

Practical impact

SR 173 confers ceremonial recognition only. It carries no legal force, funding implications, or regulatory change. Its principal effect is to document and publicize the legislature’s appreciation of the Wickers’ faith‑based civic work and to authorize distribution of a copy of the resolution to them.

Note on document contents

The legislative file provided included multiple draft texts and unrelated SR 173 drafts from other jurisdictions and subjects (e.g., memorials, committee confirmations, community college workforce resolutions). The enrolled resolution described above is the final, adopted measure relevant to the stated title (commendation of Pastor Mike and First Lady Tara Wicker).