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HJR 631

Memorials, Public Service - A.J. Starling -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Caleb Hemmer

Ceremonial joint resolution honors A.J. Starling for public service on the Davidson County Election Commission since 2003 and retirement, with no policy or funding changes.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · HJR 631

Summary of: House Joint Resolution 631 (HJR 631)

Overview

HJR 631 is a ceremonial joint resolution commemorating and commending A.J. Starling for his public service, specifically his long tenure on the Davidson County Election Commission (DCEC) and his distinguished career in the labor movement. The measure is a memorial/recognition document, not a substantive policy change.

  • Bill Number: HJR 631
  • Title: Memorials, Public Service - A.J. Starling
  • Status: Signed by the Governor
  • Introduced: April 9, 2025
  • Classification: Joint resolution
  • Subject: Memorials, Public Service
  • Current Version Content: The resolution documents Starling’s career, personal background, and public service achievements, and it concludes with a formal commendation.

Purpose and Intent

  • To formally recognize and commend A.J. Starling for his honorable service as a member of the Davidson County Election Commission.
  • To acknowledge Starling’s retirement from the DCEC after serving since 2003.
  • To honor his broader contributions to public service and the labor movement in Tennessee.

Key Provisions and Provisions Highlights

  • Recognition of Service: The resolution states that Starling has served with distinction on the Davidson County Election Commission since 2003 and is retiring from that body.
  • Biographical Spotlight: It recounts substantial elements of Starling’s career, including:
    • Secretary/Treasurer of the Tennessee AFL-CIO
    • Longstanding labor movement involvement since 1971 (beginning as a bus operator and member of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1235)
    • Roles within the union (Executive Board member, Recording Secretary)
    • Awards and recognitions as a bus operator (Operator of the Year, Perfect Attendance, Safe Driving, Brooks-Starling Award)
    • Leadership in the Technical Assistance Program of the Tennessee AFL-CIO (labor coordinator, Director)
    • Director of Political Affairs for the Tennessee AFL-CIO (2003)
    • Community and civic involvement (Workforce Investment Board, State Tax Structure Study Commission, Red Cross Board, Asa Philip Randolph Institute, trustee at Westwood Baptist Church)
  • Conclusion and Form of Commendation: The resolution includes a formal clause expressing commendation for Starling’s service and a dedication to public life, with a provision that an appropriate copy be prepared for presentation.
  • No Policy Changes: The measure does not amend statutes, create programs, or allocate funds.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: A.J. Starling (the honoree) and his family.
  • Indirect: Davidson County residents and the broader Tennessee public, who benefit from public service recognition of local election administration work and labor leadership.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: April 9, 2025
  • House Action: Sponsor added (April 17); concurrence approved (April 17, 2025)
  • Senate Action: Concurred and enrolled (April 23–24, 2025)
  • Final Steps: Transmitted to Governor (April 24, 2025); signed by Governor (April 29, 2025)
  • Status: The bill is now signed and ceremonial in nature.

Impact

  • Ceremonial recognition with no fiscal or regulatory impact.
  • Signals bipartisan appreciation for public service and local election administration.
  • Creates an official record of commendation that may be used for ceremonial display and historical reference.

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

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