Memorials, Death - Sarah Lee Best -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Aron Maberry

The resolution memorializes and honors the life and achievements of Sarah Lee Best without creating any legal requirements or spending.

Signed by Governor.

#death #memorials

Purpose and intent

HJR 121 is a ceremonial joint resolution to memorialize and honor the life and achievements of Sarah Lee Best, a Clarksville native and attorney with Wilkinson Stekloff Law Firm in Washington, D.C.

The resolution expresses condolences to Ms. Best’s family and colleagues and reflects on her academic excellence, professional accomplishments, and contributions to the legal field and education.

Key provisions and changes

The bill is strictly memorial in nature and does not enact new law, create regulatory requirements, or authorize spending. It serves as a formal recognition by the Tennessee General Assembly.

The text includes a series of “WHEREAS” clauses detailing Ms. Best’s biography and exemplary record, including:

Education: Vanderbilt University (B.A., summa cum laude, Neuroscience and Classical Languages, 2013) and University of Pennsylvania Law School (J.D., summa cum laude), with multiple academic honors and distinctions.
Professional and academic achievements: senior editor of the University of Pennsylvania Law Review, leadership roles in student organizations, internships and externships related to education law and asylum work, and notable moot court success.
Recognition of character and impact: described as a brilliant, kind, compassionate individual whose work and life left a lasting impression.

The resolution contains a standard closing that a copy be prepared for presentation, omitting certain designations, for delivery to the appropriate recipients.

Who is affected

Primarily acts to acknowledge Sarah Lee Best and to express sympathy to her family, friends, and colleagues.

Institutions and communities connected to Best (e.g., Vanderbilt University, University of Pennsylvania Law School, Wilkinson Stekloff Law Firm) are indirectly referenced through the memorialization.

Procedural and timeline highlights

Introduced: January 24, 2025 (Sponsor: Maberry).

Key actions and progression:

February 5–6, 2025: Filed for introduction, sponsor additions, and rapid advancement; engrossed and ready for transmission.
February 10–13, 2025: Transmitted between House and Senate; concurrence achieved (Ayes 31, Nays 0).
February 14–18, 2025: Enrolled and prepared for signature; Senate and House leaders signed.
February 20–21, 2025: Transmitted to Governor for action and then signed.

Status: Signed by the Governor on February 21, 2025; the resolution is thus enacted as memorial language.

Impact and implementation

There is no fiscal impact or legal/regulatory change associated with this resolution.

It serves to publicly recognize and honor Sarah Lee Best’s life and legacy, while offering condolences to her family and friends. The ceremonial copy is prepared for presentation as described in the resolution.

Bill