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HJR 648

Memorials, Recognition - Judge Andy Brigham, Stewart County CASA -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jay Reedy

Ceremonial memorial recognizing Judge Andy Brigham for bringing the CASA program to Stewart County, acknowledging its support for foster youth; no new law or funds.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 648

Summary: HJR 648 — Memorials, Recognition — Judge Andy Brigham, Stewart County CASA

Overview

House Joint Resolution 648 is a ceremonial, memorial-style measure recognizing Judge Andy Brigham of Stewart County for his efforts to establish the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program in Stewart County. The resolution commends his decades of service to youth and his leadership in advancing CASA to benefit children in the foster care and child welfare system. It is a joint resolution (no new law or funding is created) that memorializes the General Assembly’s appreciation.

Purpose and Intent

  • Honor Judge Andy Brigham for bringing CASA to Stewart County and for his broader commitment to ensuring youth in the judicial system receive dignified, respectful treatment and advocacy.
  • Highlight the impact of CASA on well-being and safety of at-risk children and the value of community volunteers supporting legal matters involving foster youth.
  • Publicly recognize exemplary public service by a jurist and inspire continued dedication to youth advocacy.

Key Provisions

  • Acknowledges Judge Brigham’s eight-to-fifteen? (text notes “for fourteen years” leading the charge to bring CASA to Stewart County) sustained effort to establish CASA.
  • Recognizes CASA as a nationwide program combining private support, public need, and volunteer involvement (about 70,000 volunteers nationally).
  • Describes CASA volunteers as meeting with children monthly, building trust, and ensuring children’s experiences and needs are considered in court proceedings.
  • States the General Assembly’s congratulations and best wishes for Judge Brigham’s continued success.
  • Directs the preparation of an appropriate copy of the resolution for presentation, with a standard closing clause about formatting (the language following the State seal appearing without House or Senate designation on the copy).

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Judge Andy Brigham and Stewart County youth who benefit from CASA programs.
  • Broader: The Stewart County community and the Tennessee judiciary, by drawing public attention to youth advocacy efforts.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: April 15, 2025
  • House actions: Sponsor(s) added (April 16), passed (April 16, 96-0), enrolled (April 24), transmitted to Senate (April 17 for calendar planning; actual transmission noted April 24/28)
  • Senate actions: Concurred (April 21, 33-0), signed by Senate Speaker (April 25), enrolled; transmitted to Governor (April 28)
  • Governor: Signed into law (Executive action dated May 5, 2025)
  • Status: Signed by Governor; effective as a ceremonial memorial resolution

Sponsor

  • Primary: Representative Reedy

Fiscal/Policy Impact

  • No fiscal appropriation or new regulatory obligations are created. This is a ceremonial recognition meant to honor individual service and the CASA program’s value in Stewart County.

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

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