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HJR 1605

Memorials, Public Service - Carolyn Cates -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ron Travis

HJR 1605 honors Carolyn Cates for 44 years of public service in Sequatchie County elections, including leadership as interim Administrator, safeguarding election integrity and acce

Signed by Senate Speaker
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Bill Summary · HJR 1605

Summary of Bill: HJR 1605 (Session 114, Tennessee)

Title

Memorials, Public Service - Carolyn Cates - Sequatchie County Election Commission

Purpose and Intent

  • This House Joint Resolution recognizes and commends Carolyn Cates for her long-standing public service to the Sequatchie County Election Commission.
  • It honors her more than four decades of work in election administration, leadership, and service to the community.
  • The resolution elevates appreciation for Ms. Cates’s dedication and integrity in the administration of elections and public service in Tennessee.

Key Provisions and Provisions Change

  • Recognizes Carolyn Cates’s service dating back to 1982, beginning as a typist and progressing to contribute to early voting operations.
  • Acknowledges her tenure under four election administrators (Helen Barker, Donald Britt, Linda Pittman, and Jerrie Holland).
  • Highlights her role as interim Administrator of Elections, providing leadership during a period of transition.
  • Emphasizes her 44 years of service and her impact on the efficiency, integrity, accuracy, and accessibility of the electoral process in Sequatchie County.
  • The resolution is a ceremonial expression of appreciation, with standard language noting Tennessee’s identity as the “Volunteer State” and commending Ms. Cates’s professionalism, reliability, and public-spirited service.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Carolyn Cates (individual honoree) for her service to the Sequatchie County Election Commission.
  • Sequatchie County’s election administration community and the broader public who benefit from experienced and dedicated election administration.
  • The Tennessee General Assembly, by adopting a formal commendation recognizing exemplary public service.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced and enacted as a memorial resolution recognizing a public servant.
  • Legislative actions (as recorded):
    • April 22, 2026: House action — engrossed and ready for transmission; adopted by voice vote (Ayes 93, Nays 0).
    • April 22, 2026: Placed on House consent calendar.
    • April 22–23, 2026: Received by Senate, referred to Senate Calendar Committee.
    • April 23, 2026: Senate concurred and placed on Senate Consent Calendar; final concurrence with the House.
    • April 23, 2026: Resolution concurred with Ayes 32, Nays 0.
  • This is a ceremonial designation; no fiscal impact or policy change is directly imposed by the bill.

Additional Notes

  • Co-sponsor: Rep. Ron Travis.
  • The resolution includes a customary clause to prepare an appropriate copy for presentation, with housekeeping language about formatting on the final copy.

Bottom Line

HJR 1605 is a ceremonial congressional-style commendation recognizing Carolyn Cates’s 44 years of service to Sequatchie County’s Election Commission, including her leadership as interim Administrator of Elections and her longstanding commitment to the integrity and accessibility of elections. It serves to publicly acknowledge and thank her for her contributions to public service in Tennessee.

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

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