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HJR 1474

Memorials, Recognition - 21st District Recovery Court, 25th anniversary -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Recognizes the 21 District Recovery Court for 25 years of treatment-focused, court-supervised efforts that reduce addiction-related crime and support families and communities.

Received from House, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 1474

Summary: House Joint Resolution 1474 (HJR 1474) - Tennessee, 114th General Assembly

Purpose

  • Honor and commend the 21 District Recovery Court on the occasion of its twenty-fifth anniversary.
  • Recognize the program’s contributions to reducing addiction-related crime and improving community safety and well-being.

Key Provisions and Content

  • The bill is a memorial resolution celebrating the 21 District Recovery Court, established in 2001 to address the intersection of addiction and the criminal justice system.
  • It outlines the court’s mission: to end the cycle of addiction and crime by providing accountability and compassion to nonviolent offenders, with aims of saving lives, restoring families, and promoting safer, more productive communities.
  • Historical notes:
    • Founding leadership: Hon. Timothy L. Easter, Hon. Donald P. Harris, and coordinator Gayle Moyer Harris.
    • Nonprofit status granted in April 2002.
    • First participants admitted in August 2002 into a two-year program.
  • Participation and outcomes (highlights):
    • More than 300 individuals have participated since inception; over 200 have graduated.
    • Demonstrated outcomes include reduced recidivism and improved use of taxpayer resources.
    • In the past five years, about 90% of participants have maintained employment (full- or part-time).
    • Graduates have often regained custody of children, rebuilt family relationships, and pursued educational attainment (GED, high school diploma, or higher education opportunities).
    • A substantial majority of graduates continue to lead stable, productive lives after program completion.
  • Formal acknowledgment:
    • The resolution requests that an appropriate copy be prepared for presentation.
    • The text includes standard language about omitting the final clause from copies produced for presentation, consistent with memorial resolutions.

Who/What Is Affected

  • The resolution primarily affects recognition and commendation of the 21 District Recovery Court.
  • It reflects a formal expression of support from Tennessee’s House and Senate, without creating new statutory requirements or funding changes.
  • Indirectly, it highlights the court’s impact on participants, families, and communities.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced and filed on April 15, 2026; placed on the House consent calendar for April 16, 2026.
  • Action history shows swift passage in the House with an affirmative vote (Ayes 92, Nays 0, PNV 0) on April 16, 2026.
  • The bill is a concurrent memorial resolution (no substantive regulatory or fiscal provisions) and is intended for ceremonial adoption by both chambers.

Impact and Implications

  • Political/ceremonial impact: Formal recognition of a long-standing recovery court and its 25-year milestone.
  • Public message: Reinforces support for treatment-centric, court-supervised approaches to addiction and crime.
  • No direct fiscal or statutory changes are proposed; the measure serves to honor and publicize program success and community benefits.

If you’d like, I can add a brief section comparing this resolution to similar memorials for other Tennessee Recovery Courts or place this in the context of Tennessee’s broader juvenile/criminal justice reform efforts.

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

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