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SJR 441

Memorials, Recognition - Lieutenant James Smallwood -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Pody

Ceremonial resolution honoring Lt. James Smallwood of the Metro Nashville Police for meritorious service and leadership, FOP roles, wellness/training work, with no fiscal impact.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · SJR 441

Summary of SJR 441 (2025)

Overview

  • Bill Type: Senate Joint Resolution (joint resolution)
  • Title: Memorials, Recognition – Lieutenant James Smallwood
  • Sponsor: Senator Pody
  • Purpose: A ceremonial resolution recognizing and honoring Lieutenant James Smallwood of the Metro Nashville Police Department for meritorious public service and leadership.
  • Status: Signed by the Governor (May 1, 2025)

What the bill does

  • SJR 441 expressly honors Lieutenant James Smallwood for his service to Nashville, Davidson County, and the State of Tennessee.
  • The resolution commends his varied roles within the Metro Nashville Police Department, leadership in the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), contributions to police wellness and training, and national-level involvement in law enforcement initiatives.
  • It requests that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation.

Key provisions and content

  • Recognition of service: Acknowledges Smallwood’s career since joining MPD in 2010, including roles in patrol, criminal investigations, strategic development, and as a patrol district sergeant. Noted as current lieutenant over the aviation unit at the time of the resolution.
  • Fraternal Order of Police involvement: Highlights leadership positions within the FOP, including Nashville FOP Andrew Jackson Lodge #5 President (2016–2024) and National FOP Treasurer (2016–present).
  • Wellness and training contributions: Credits Smallwood with volunteering as a chaplain and peer supporter in the MPD wellness unit and as an adjunct instructor for traffic stop and reality-based training at the department’s training academy.
  • National and state recognition: Cites his service on President Trump’s Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice and Governor Bill Lee’s 2020 Law Enforcement Task Force.
  • Personal note: Mentions his wife Cristina and children Cooper and Avery, and his twenty-year marriage, highlighting his family commitments.
  • Disposition: The resolution is ceremonial, with no new duties or fiscal implications for government operations.

Who is affected

  • Primary honoree: Lieutenant James Smallwood, Metro Nashville Police Department.
  • General public and state institutions receive a ceremonial acknowledgment through the General Assembly’s formal recognition.

Procedural history and timeline

  • Introduced: April 14, 2025
  • April 15–17, 2025: Processed through first and second readings; assigned to committees as appropriate; placed on Senate Consent Calendar.
  • April 21, 2025: Engrossed; adopted in the Senate (Ayes 33, Nays 0).
  • April 22, 2025: Concurred in the House (Ayes 94, Nays 0, PNV 1); SJR placed on House consent calendar.
  • April 24, 2025: Enrolled and ready for signatures; signed by Senate Speaker and House Speaker.
  • April 25, 2025: Transmitted to the Governor for action.
  • May 1, 2025: Governor signed (final enactment).

Impact and considerations

  • The bill serves as a ceremonial tribute with no fiscal impact or policy changes.
  • It contributes to public acknowledgment of law enforcement service and intergovernmental respect for the police community.
  • It may be used in official displays, commemorations, and public records to recognize Lieutenant Smallwood’s contributions.

Reference details

  • Official designation in the bill: SJR 441
  • Subject: Memorials, Recognition
  • Version content centers on commendation of Lieutenant James Smallwood’s career and leadership within MPD and the broader law enforcement community.

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

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