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SJR 1242

Memorials, Death - R.L. McKinney -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Rusty Crowe

SJR 1242 ceremonially honors R.L. McKinney for decades of public service, military, faith, and community leadership, and expresses condolences to his family.

Transmitted to Governor for action.
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Bill Summary · SJR 1242

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution 1242 (SJR 1242), 114th Tennessee General Assembly

Title

Memorials, Death - R.L. McKinney - Recognition of memory and service; memorial resolution.

Purpose and Intent

  • A concurrent memorial resolution to honor and remember R.L. McKinney of East Tennessee.
  • Recognizes McKinney’s life, character, service to the community, and contributions as a public servant and private citizen.
  • Expresses sympathy and condolences to his family.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Official act of the Tennessee General Assembly acknowledging the life and legacy of R.L. McKinney.
  • Highlights McKinney’s background, including:
    • Born November 1, 1953.
    • HVAC-R technician with Johnson City Schools for 54 years.
    • U.S. Army National Guard service (776th unit mentioned).
    • Leadership roles in the Watauga Masonic Lodge #662 (fifty-year member; past Master).
    • Faith community involvement at Doe River Baptist Church.
    • Family ties and personal characteristics (described as witty, curious, kind, loyal).
  • Statement of McKinney’s family: wife Juanita Culbert McKinney; sons Matthew N. and Andrew P. McKinney; grandson C.J. McKinney; other relatives and close associates.
  • Memorializes McKinney’s life and contributions; emphasizes integrity, public life service, and personal character.
  • Calls for the preparation of an official copy of the resolution to be presented; specifies formatting preference for the final copy (omits the clause about the specific copy’s House/Senate designation).

Who/What Is Affected

  • R.L. McKinney’s memory is the central focus.
  • The resolution affects:
    • Tennessee Senate and House members (joint resolution).
    • Family and friends of McKinney.
    • Concluding audiences who view the memorial as part of official state recognition.
  • It does not create or modify legal rights, duties, or state policy; it is a ceremonial recognition.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Action history indicates typical steps for a memorial resolution:
    • Introduced and filed on or around April 21, 2026.
    • Rules suspended and approved by voice vote in the House on April 21, 2026.
    • Concurred by both chambers with a cross-chamber vote noted on April 22, 2026 (Ayes 93, Nays 0, PNV 0 in the House; concurrent passage confirmed).
    • Enrolled and ready for signatures on April 29, 2026.
    • Transmitted to the Governor for action on May 5, 2026.
    • Signed by presiding officers and governor per sequence (indicated as action history: Speaker of the House and Senate leaders signed; governor action indicated as “Transmitted to Governor for action”).
  • Final clause allows for preparation of an appropriate copy and omits the House/Senate designation language on the copy, per the resolution’s instruction.

Notable Details

  • Co-sponsor: Senator Rusty Crowe.
  • The bill is a memorial resolution, not substantive policy legislation; its primary function is ceremonial recognition of an individual’s life and service.

Bottom Line

SJR 1242 serves as an official, ceremonial tribute by Tennessee’s General Assembly to honor R.L. McKinney for his decades of professional work, military service, leadership in fraternal organizations, faith-based community involvement, and dedication to family and public life. It expressing sympathy to his family and requests the preparation of a formal commemorative copy. The measure progresses through the standard ceremonial process and has been enacted by both chambers and transmitted to the Governor for action.

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

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