Bill
SJR 131
Ceremonial joint resolution memorializes Margaret Southerland's life and service, offers condolences to her family, and has no policy or fiscal impact.
Overview
- Type: Senate Joint Resolution (ceremonial/memorial)
- Sponsor: Senator Seal
- Purpose: To honor and memorialize the life and service of Margaret Southerland of Rutledge; express condolences to her family; and recognize her contributions as a public servant and community member.
- Status: Signed by the Governor on March 4, 2025
What the bill does
- Ceremonial recognition only. As a memorial joint resolution, it does not create or modify law, authorize spending, or establish policy.
- Praises Ms. Southerland’s life and character, highlighting:
- A 43-year career as a certified pharmacy technician at Smiths Drug Store
- 54 years of active membership in Mitchell Springs Baptist Church
- Family and community ties, including surviving relatives and a lasting legacy of integrity, compassion, loyalty, and diligence
- Expresses sympathy and condolences to her family.
- Directs that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation, with a technical note about formatting: the language following the State seal should appear without House or Senate designation in the final copy.
Who is affected
- Margaret Southerland’s family and friends, and the broader constituents who knew her.
- The Tennessee General Assembly, as the act of remembrance is recorded in the official journals and memorials.
Key provisions and details
- No fiscal impact or policy changes; purely commemorative.
- The resolution passage includes customary language about honoring an individual’s life and offering condolences to relatives.
- Final formatting instruction for presenting the copy of the resolution.
Procedural history and timeline
- Introduced: February 10, 2025
- February 12-13: Passed first and second considerations; referred to Senate Calendar
- February 18-20: Placed on Senate Consent Calendar; adopted in Senate (Ayes 32, Nays 0)
- February 20-24: Transmitted to House; sponsor additions
- February 24-25: Concurred in House (Ayes 93, Nays 0, PNV 2); enrolled and prepared for signatures
- February 25: Signed by Senate Speaker; transmitted/received for final action
- February 28: Transmitted to Governor for action
- March 4, 2025: Signed by Governor
Bottom line
SJR 131 is a ceremonial joint resolution memorializing Margaret Southerland’s life and service, issuing condolences to her family, and instructing the preparation of an official copy. It passed both chambers with unanimous or near-unanimous support and was promptly signed into law by the Governor.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
