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SJR 190

Memorials, Death - Sheriff Wayne M. Potter -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ken Yager

A ceremonial Tennessee resolution honors Sheriff Wayne M. Potter's life and decades of service, offers condolences to his family, and records the tribute, with no policy changes.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · SJR 190

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution 190 (SJR 190) – Memorials, Death – Sheriff Wayne M. Potter

Overview

SJR 190 is a ceremonial Joint Resolution adopted by the Tennessee General Assembly to honor the memory and legacy of Sheriff Wayne M. Potter, who served as the Sheriff of Morgan County. The resolution expresses the General Assembly’s condolences to his family and recognizes his decades of public service and leadership in law enforcement.

Purpose and Intent

  • To honor the memory of Sheriff Wayne M. Potter and reflect on his character, integrity, and commitment to public safety.
  • To acknowledge his career-long service in law enforcement, including leadership roles within Morgan County and various local agencies.
  • To convey sympathy to his family and provide an appropriate ceremonial copy of the resolution.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • The text is a memorial declaration, not a substantive law or policy change. It provides:
    • A formal statement of respect for Sheriff Potter’s life and work.
    • A summary of his professional trajectory, community impact, and personal values.
    • An expression of sympathy and condolences to his immediate family.
  • Administrative directive: The resolution includes a general instruction that an appropriate copy be prepared for presentation, with a minor clerical adjustment to omit certain language from the copy as requested.

Biographical Highlights (as presented in the resolution)

  • Born January 3, 1975, in Oak Ridge; raised in Wartburg.
  • Education: Wartburg Central High School; Cleveland State University; Cleveland State University Law Enforcement Training Academy.
  • Law enforcement career: Began as a correctional officer at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary (1995); served at Morgan County Sheriff’s Office (1998) and in various roles (correctional officer, school resource officer, patrolman, narcotics investigator); also worked with Wartburg Police Department and Oliver Springs Police Department.
  • Sheriff of Morgan County: Began term in 2018; reelected in 2022 in an uncontested election (a historic first in Morgan County).
  • Personal and business life: Owner of Blue Line Security and involved in property investment management; survived by wife Lea Potter, children, grandchildren, and siblings; preceded in death by his parents and a brother.
  • Legacy: Described as a public servant with integrity, compassion, loyalty, and dedication.

Legislative Process and Timeline

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Engrossed and filed for introduction: February 27, 2025.
  • Rules suspended, concurred, and transmitted to the House: February 27–28, 2025.
  • Transmitted to Governor for action: February 28, 2025.
  • Signed by Governor: March 4, 2025.

Impact and Beneficiaries

  • Acknowledges and memorializes Sheriff Potter within the official records of the General Assembly.
  • Benefits the Morgan County community, Potter’s family, and the broader law enforcement community by formally recognizing his service and offering condolences.
  • No policy or budgetary changes are enacted; the resolution is ceremonial.

Public Accessibility

  • The resolution is available as part of the official legislative record and appropriate copies are to be prepared for presentation.

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

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