Memorials, Professional Achievement - Jessica P. Ellis, John B. Whitsitt Elementary School Teacher of the Year -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by John Clemmons

Ceremonial HJR 275 recognizes doulas as vital members of the childbirth team and honors a Tennessee teacher; it has no legal effect or funding, but raises public awareness.

Signed by Governor.

#memorials #professionalachievement

Overview

HJR 275 is a ceremonial joint resolution that, in the materials provided, appears in two different substantive forms:

A resolution recognizing doulas as vital members of the childbirth team (text that cites Alabama maternal and infant mortality data and describes potential health and cost benefits of increased doula access).

A Tennessee House Joint Resolution honoring Jessica P. Ellis as the 2024–2025 John B. Whitsitt Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

Both texts are non‑binding memorial/resolution actions; neither creates new law, appropriates funds, or imposes regulatory requirements.

Key provisions (two texts)

Recognition of doulas (Alabama-style text)

Defines a doula as a trained, nonclinical professional who provides physical, emotional, educational support, and advocacy before, during, and after childbirth.
Cites Maternal Mortality Review & Prevention Committee (2018–2019) statistics: 93 pregnancy-related deaths in Alabama (37 Black), with over 60% judged preventable; Black women reportedly have double the risk of pregnancy-related death compared to white women. Also cites fetal/infant mortality disparities (2009–2018).
Declares that doulas can improve maternal/infant outcomes, reduce cesarean rates, lower health care costs, decrease maternal anxiety and depression, and improve provider–patient communication.
Concludes with legislative recognition of doulas as vital childbirth team members and an acknowledgment of their contribution to improved maternal and infant health.

Honorific for Jessica P. Ellis (Tennessee text)

Formally honors and congratulates Jessica P. Ellis on being selected the 2024–2025 John B. Whitsitt Elementary School Teacher of the Year.
Commends her dedication, professional excellence, and service to Tennessee children.
Directs that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation.

Who/what is affected

Primarily symbolic: honorees (Jessica P. Ellis) and the professional category of doulas (public recognition).

No direct legal, budgetary, or regulatory impacts on state agencies, providers, or the public.

Could influence public awareness, institutional recognition, and future policy discussions about maternal health or doula access.

Procedural status and timeline

The provided legislative actions list multiple steps (introduction, committee referrals, adoption votes, enrollment, delivery to governor, and dates of enactment/signature). The metadata indicates the resolution was signed by the governor.

Dates in the record are inconsistent (some actions dated March 2025, others in April–May 2025), and the file includes two distinct texts attributed to different jurisdictions.

Notes and recommended verification

The submission contains two different resolutions: one addressing doulas (text resembling an Alabama legislative resolution) and another honoring a Tennessee teacher (explicit Tennessee House Joint Resolution language). This suggests a misfile, consolidation, or clerical overlap across jurisdictions.

Because the record mixes texts and dates, confirm the final enacted text and official status with the relevant state legislative clerk or the published enrolled act for the appropriate state (Alabama or Tennessee) before citing the resolution as an authoritative source.

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