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HJR 86

Memorials, Recognition - Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, 30th anniversary -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Caleb Hemmer

HJR 86 memorializes Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library’s 30th anniversary, recognizing its global impact on early literacy and kindergarten readiness without creating new laws or f

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 86

Summary of HJR 86 — Memorials, Recognition: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, 30th Anniversary

Overview

  • Bill: HJR 86 (House Joint Resolution)
  • Title: Memorials, Recognition – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, 30th anniversary
  • Status: Signed by Governor (February 21, 2025)
  • Chamber actions: Passed both the House and Senate and transmitted for the Governor’s action in February 2025; signed into law as a nonbinding memorial resolution
  • Classification: Joint resolution recognizing a cultural and educational achievement

Purpose and Intent

  • To celebrate and publicly recognize the 30th anniversary (thirtieth anniversary) of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
  • To acknowledge Parton’s philanthropic impact on children’s literacy and reading, both in Tennessee and nationally/internationally.
  • To honor the Imagination Library’s contribution to early childhood education and literacy outcomes.

Key Provisions

  • Statements of recognition and gratitude toward Dolly Parton for founding and sustaining the Imagination Library since 1995.
  • Acknowledgement of the program’s expansion from a local Sevier County initiative to a nationwide and international effort, distributing age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five.
  • Recitation of program milestones:
    • Imagination Library began in 1995 in Sevier County, Tennessee.
    • Expanded statewide in Tennessee in 2004 under a partnership with then-Governor Phil Bredesen.
    • Current reach includes all 50 states, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland.
    • More than 260 million books have been gifted to date.
  • Recognition of the program’s reported positive impact on kindergarten readiness and improvements in reading comprehension and vocabulary, as cited in referenced studies.
  • Formal resolution language:
    • “Be It Resolved” statements celebrating the program and Parton’s philanthropy.
    • A directive that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation.
    • A customary closing noting the language may appear without House or Senate designation in copies prepared for presentation.

Affected Parties and Impact

  • Acknowledges Dolly Parton, the Imagination Library, and supporters of literacy advocacy.
  • No new laws, programs, or funding are created by this resolution (nonbinding, ceremonial in nature).
  • Intended to raise public awareness and honor Dolly Parton’s lasting contributions to literacy and education.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • Introduced: November 12, 2024
  • Key actions:
    • February 5–14, 2025: House actions including engrossment, adoption, and Senate concurrence.
    • February 18–21, 2025: Senate actions and final transmission to Governor.
    • February 21, 2025: Governor signed the resolution.
  • Nature: Typical memorial resolution that recognizes efforts and achievements without creating binding fiscal or regulatory changes.

Notes

  • This is a ceremonial acknowledgment and does not impose or authorize new government programs or expenditures.
  • The resolution complements ongoing literacy advocacy by highlighting a successful program and its legacy.

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

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