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HJR 1603

Memorials, Recognition - Akilah DaSilva, DeEbony Groves, Joe Perez, and Taurean Sanderlin -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Shaundelle Brooks

HJR 1603 memorializes four Waffle House shooting victims, honors their lives, and expresses sympathy for families, without creating new laws or programs.

Signed by Senate Speaker
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 1603

Summary of House Joint Resolution 1603 (HJR 1603), 114th Tennessee General Assembly

Purpose

  • HJR 1603 is a memorial resolution recognizing and honoring the memory of four individuals who were victims in the Waffle House mass shooting in Antioch, Tennessee, on April 22, 2018.
  • The resolution marks the eighth anniversary of their deaths and expresses sympathy and support for their families and the broader community affected by the tragedy.

Key Provisions

  • Formal acknowledgment by both the Tennessee House of Representatives and the Senate (concurrent memorial).
  • States the identities and backgrounds of the four victims:
    • Akilah DaSilva, a student at Middle Tennessee State University, pursuing a degree in computer engineering.
    • DeEbony Groves, formerly a standout student at Gallatin High School and a Belmont University attendee.
    • Joe Perez, a native of Austin, Texas, who worked as a subcontractor for a flood relocation and logistics company; attended Jack C. Hays High School.
    • Taurean Sanderlin, a long-time employee of Waffle House, known for his work ethic; worked as a cook at the Antioch location; resided in Goodlettsville.
  • Describes the victims as young, with promising futures, and emphasizes the impact of their loss on families, friends, and the Nashville/Tennessee community.
  • Statements of remembrance, respect, and continued sympathy for the victims’ loved ones and all those impacted by the tragedy.
  • The resolution requests that an appropriate copy be prepared and presented, with standard ceremonial language to follow the state seal.

Who Is Affected

  • The bill is ceremonial in nature; it does not create new law, funding, or policy changes.
  • It affects:
    • Public memory and official State record of acknowledgment for the victims.
    • Families, friends, classmates, coworkers, and community members who memorialize the victims.
    • Public perception and historical record of the Waffle House incident within Tennessee.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Status: As of the action history, the resolution has advanced in 2026.
    • 2026-04-22: Engrossed and introduced; sponsor added; House adopted.
    • 2026-04-22: Introduced and placed on House consent calendar.
    • 2026-04-22: Passed House with a vote of 93 yeas, 0 nays, 0 PNV.
    • 2026-04-23: Concurred by Senate (Ayes 32, Nays 0); placed on Senate Consent Calendar for 4/23/2026.
    • 2026-04-23: Received from House; referred to Senate Calendar Committee; Senate consent and concurrence followed.
  • The resolution requires no appropriation or regulatory action; it is a formal recognition by both chambers.

Notable Details

  • Co-sponsor: Shaundelle Brooks.
  • The bill serves as a commemorative act, reinforcing community solidarity and paying tribute to the victims and their families.

Bottom Line

HJR 1603 is a commemorative measure recognizing the lives of Akilah DaSilva, DeEbony Groves, Joe Perez, and Taurean Sanderlin on the eighth anniversary of their deaths in the Waffle House shooting. It expresses sympathy, honors their memories, and reaffirms support for those affected, without altering statutes or creating new programs.

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

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