Memorials, Recognition - Abby Petterson -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Steve Southerland

The bill ceremonially honors Abby Petterson for placing eighth nationally in FFA Nursery-Landscape and highlights FFA’s role in developing agricultural leadership in Tennessee.

SJR placed on H. consent cal. for 4/20/2026

#memorials #recognition

Purpose

SJR 1061 is a Senate Joint Resolution to commend and congratulate Abby Petterson, a National FFA (Future Farmers of America) competitor from Tennessee.

The resolution recognizes her achievement of placing eighth nationally in the FFA Nursery-Landscape Career Development Event and earning a Gold Emblem as part of the Erwin FFA chapter team.

The overarching intent is to honor an outstanding young leader in Tennessee’s agriculture sector and to highlight the value of FFA in developing agricultural leadership and career skills.

Key Provisions and Provisions/Changes

Official recognition: The resolution formally honors Abby Petterson and wishes her continued success in future endeavors.

Presentation: Specifies that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation. It notes a formatting option: the copy can omit the House or Senate designation language at the bottom upon proper request.

Background information (non-binding context): The text provides context about FFA (historically “Future Farmers of America,” now known simply as FFA) and its role in leadership, personal growth, and career success for high school agriculture students. This serves to frame the significance of the recognition.

Who/What is Affected

Individual: Abby Petterson, along with her Erwin FFA chapter team.

Legislative audience: Tennessee General Assembly members who will read and potentially acknowledge the resolution.

No fiscal impact, regulatory changes, or new programs are created by this bill; the impact is ceremonial and symbolic recognition.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Sponsor: Co-sponsor Steve Southerland.

History of action:

Filed for introduction on 2026-04-06.
Passed first consideration on 2026-04-09.
Passed second consideration and referred to Senate Calendar Committee on 2026-04-13.
Placed on Senate Consent Calendar for 2026-04-15.
Adopted on 2026-04-15 (Ayes 32, Nays 0).
Engrossed and transmitted to the House on 2026-04-15.
Placed on House consent calendar for 2026-04-20.

Final form: The resolution will be presented as an official statement of commendation, with the potential for an amended copy that excludes legislative designation language.

Impact Overview

The bill is ceremonial and has no direct legal or regulatory effect beyond formal recognition.

It serves to spotlight Tennessee’s participation and success in national agricultural leadership programs, potentially encouraging student achievement and local engagement in FFA and agricultural education.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary for a policy brief, a press release, or a stakeholder briefing.

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