Memorials, Recognition - Child Abuse Prevention Month -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Rusty Grills

Declares April 2025 as Child Abuse Awareness Month in Tennessee and commends the Carl Perkins Center; a ceremonial recognition to raise awareness and encourage prevention efforts.

Signed by Governor.

#memorials #recognition

Summary: HJR 622 – Memorials, Recognition - Child Abuse Prevention Month

Purpose and intent

HJR 622 is a joint resolution that memorializes April 2025 as Child Abuse Awareness Month in Tennessee.

The resolution expresses support for efforts to prevent child abuse and to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families.

It specifically commends the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse for its programs and work in helping families break the cycle of abuse.

Key provisions

Declares April 2025 as Child Abuse Awareness Month in the state.

Acknowledges that child abuse is a serious, widespread issue requiring partnership across child welfare, education, health, community and faith-based organizations, businesses, law enforcement, and families.

Commends the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse for its parent training, educational programs, and community service activities that support child abuse prevention.

Directs that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation to the Carl Perkins Center, with standard formatting provisions regarding the copy’s appearance.

Substantive changes or impact

No changes to statutes or administrative rules. This is a ceremonial, non-binding memorial recognizing a month of awareness and praising a specific prevention organization.

No fiscal or regulatory burden is imposed by the resolution; its effect is largely symbolic and educational, intended to raise public awareness and encourage continued collaboration among stakeholders.

Who is affected

The primary ceremonial beneficiary is the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

By recognizing Child Abuse Awareness Month, the resolution contributes to public awareness and may influence communities, schools, and organizations to engage in prevention efforts.

Procedural history and timeline

Introduced: April 9, 2025 (Sponsor: Grills)

April 9–10, 2025: Considered in the House; adopted on April 10, 2025

April 14–17, 2025: Transmitted to Senate; concurrence achieved (April 17, 2025; Ayes 33, Nays 0)

April 23, 2025: Enrolled and signed by presiding officers in both chambers

April 24, 2025: Transmitted to Governor

April 29, 2025: Signed by Governor (becoming law as a memorial)

Notes

As a memorial resolution, HJR 622 does not create new programs, authorize funding, or alter existing statutes. Its value lies in formal recognition, alignment with child abuse prevention work, and potential to mobilize community support.

If you’d like, I can compare this to similar memorial resolutions or summarize accompanying fiscal notes or committee analyses (if available).