Memorials, Recognition - Keegan Grills -

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

Senate Joint Resolution 516 ceremonially commends Keegan Grills of Walters State CC for earning an honorable mention in Tennessee Mosaic’s short-fiction category.

Signed by Governor.

#memorials #recognition

What the bill is

Type: Senate Joint Resolution (a ceremonial, non-binding measure)

Title: Memorials, Recognition – Keegan Grills

Sponsor: Senator Southerland

Purpose: To commend and congratulate Keegan Grills of Walters State Community College for his short fiction published in Tennessee Mosaic, which earned an honorable mention in its genre.

Current status: Signed by the Governor (May 7, 2025)

Background and purpose

Target of recognition: Keegan Grills, a student at Walters State Community College (Rogersville, Tennessee) majoring in information systems.

Achievement highlighted: Grills’ short fiction was published in Tennessee Mosaic, a statewide annual anthology produced by Phi Theta Kappa (the international honor society for community college students). His work received an honorable mention in its genre.

Intent: Acknowledge Grills’ talent and academic achievement, celebrate his commendation within Tennessee, and extend best wishes for his future endeavors.

Key provisions and language

Resolution language: The Senate, with concurrence of the House, “commends and congratulates” Keegan Grills for his honor in the short-fiction category of Tennessee Mosaic and extends best wishes for continued success and happiness.

Ceremonial nature: As a memorial/recognition resolution, the bill authorizes formal recognition rather than imposing regulatory or fiscal changes.

Copy and formality: The resolution provides that an appropriate copy be prepared for presentation, with specific statutory formatting for copies bearing the State seal and without distinguishing House/Senate designation on the final copy.

Persons and entities affected

Primary honoree: Keegan Grills

Affiliated institutions: Walters State Community College (academic home) and the Tennessee Mosaic program ( Phi Theta Kappa)

Broader beneficiaries: Grills’ family, peers, faculty, and the local Walters State community; serves as a public recognition that can inspire other students.

Procedural history and timeline

Introduced: April 21, 2025

Senate actions:

April 21–22, 2025: Placed on Senate consent calendar; adopted on April 22 (Ayes 33, Nays 0)
April 22, 2025: Engrossed and ready for transmission; sponsorship added; concurrence with House approved (Ayes 95, Nays 0, PNV 0)

House actions: Concurred on April 22, 2025 (Ayes 95, Nays 0, PNV 0); transmitted for signature

Enrolled and signatures completed: April 25–28, 2025

Governor: Transmitted to the Governor on April 29, 2025; signed into law on May 7, 2025

Status and impact

Status: Signed by Governor; effective and enacted as a memorial resolution.

Practical effect: Ceremonial recognition that honors an individual for a notable achievement; no fiscal impact or changes in law or policy. May be used by schools and press to highlight student achievement and community pride.

Bill