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SJR 521

Memorials, Recognition - Karina Laureano Ruiz -

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

Ceremonial resolution honoring Karina Laureano Ruiz of Walters State for being named to the All-Tennessee Academic Team, a public commendation with no fiscal impact.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · SJR 521

Summary of Senate Joint Resolution 521 (SJR 521)

Overview

SJR 521 is a ceremonial joint resolution in the Tennessee General Assembly honoring Karina Laureano Ruiz of Walters State Community College for being named to the All-Tennessee Academic Team. The resolution is a memorial/recognition measure, reflecting the Assembly’s role in recognizing exceptional student achievement. It was introduced on April 21, 2025, and was signed by the Governor on May 7, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

  • To publicly honor and congratulate Karina Laureano Ruiz for her outstanding academic achievement.
  • To recognize her status as a pre-dental hygiene major from Morristown and her selection to the All-Tennessee Academic Team during the Tennessee Board of Regents’ SOAR celebration.
  • To acknowledge the All-Tennessee Academic Team as a prestigious honor sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa, with only twenty-six Tennessee students receiving the distinction.

Key Provisions

  • Formal gratitude and commendation from the Tennessee General Assembly to Karina Laureano Ruiz.
  • Statement that the All-Tennessee Academic Team identifies high-achieving community college students nationwide-societal recognition; the resolution emphasizes pride for family, school, and community.
  • Directs that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation. The copy language includes a provision about omitting the final clause from the copy and ensuring the language following the State seal appears without House or Senate designation when requested.

Who Is Affected

  • Karina Laureano Ruiz (the honoree).
  • Walters State Community College (institution represented).
  • The broader Tennessee academic community, particularly Phi Theta Kappa and supporters of the All-Tennessee Academic Team.

Procedural History and Status

  • Introduced: April 21, 2025.
  • Senate actions: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (April 21); adopted on April 22 (Ayes 33, Nays 0).
  • House actions: Concurred (April 22, with passage on first consideration); signed by the House Speaker (April 28).
  • Enrolled and ready for signatures (April 25) and signed by the Senate Speaker (April 25).
  • Transmission to Governor for action: April 29, 2025.
  • Governor’s signature: May 7, 2025 (status: Signed by Governor).

Impact and Implications

  • This is a ceremonial recognition with no new fiscal or regulatory mandates.
  • It publicly highlights and celebrates student excellence, potentially encouraging other students and institutions to strive for similar honors.
  • The resolution serves as an official record of commendation and may be used by the honoree for professional or academic purposes.

Additional Notes

  • The bill designation is SJR 521 (Senate Joint Resolution 521), authored by Senator Southerland.
  • The final language specifies formatting for presentation copies and the removal of extraneous designation labels on copies.

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

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