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HJR 576

Memorials, Recognition - Maya Turner -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Justin Jones

Tennessee ceremonial resolution honors Maya Turner for two decades of wood carving and painting, highlighting resilience living with epilepsy and elevating diverse artists.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 576

Summary of Tennessee House Joint Resolution 576 (HJR 576)

Overview

HJR 576 is a ceremonial joint resolution in the Tennessee General Assembly recognizing and honoring Maya Turner, a self-taught wood carver and visual artist. The bill emphasizes Turner’s contributions to the arts, her exploration of cultural themes, and her resilience in living with epilepsy. It was introduced on April 3, 2025, and subsequently signed by the Governor on April 24, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

  • Publicly commend Maya Turner for her artistic contributions and impact on Tennessee communities.
  • Celebrate her body of work in wood carving and painting, and the ways her art fosters cultural understanding.
  • Acknowledge the personal perspective she offers through her work as someone living with epilepsy, highlighting themes of resilience and the human experience.
  • Formalize recognition across both chambers of the General Assembly and provide for an official copy of the resolution.

Key Provisions

  • Recognition of Maya Turner as a distinguished wood carver and visual artist.
  • Description of her medium (handheld gouge wood carving) and technique (carved figures in wood, painted in bold colors) and the cultural reverence evident in her work.
  • Acknowledgment that her art is personal and evocative, reflecting cycles and changes associated with seizures and illustrating resilience and brain complexity.
  • Cataloging of Turner’s national exposure, with exhibitions at venues such as the Tennessee Craft Fair, 100 Taylor Arts Market, William Edmondson Arts and Culture Fest, Artclectic, the Essence Festival of Culture, SOKO Market, and the Black Girl Art Show in Brooklyn.
  • Statement that her work uplifts stories and traditions often marginalized in the broader art world.
  • Provisions for distributing an official copy of the resolution, with formatting instructions for presentation.

Who Is Affected

  • Maya Turner (the honoree)
  • The broader artistic community and the public, as the resolution elevates recognition of diverse artists and disability representation
  • The Tennessee General Assembly and state ceremonial practices

Procedural History and Timeline

  • 2025-04-03: Introduced and filed for introduction; placed on House consent calendar
  • 2025-04-07: Adopted in the House (Ayes 96, Nays 0)
  • 2025-04-08: Engrossed; transmitted to Senate
  • 2025-04-09 to 2025-04-11: Senate actions; received, referred to Senate Calendar Committee; placed on Senate Consent Calendar
  • 2025-04-14: Concurred by Senate (Ayes 32, Nays 0)
  • 2025-04-15–04-16: Enrolled and sent for signatures; signed by House Speaker and Senate Speaker
  • 2025-04-21: Transmitted to Governor for action
  • 2025-04-24: Signed by Governor

Fiscal and Policy Implications

  • This is a ceremonial, commemorative measure with no stated fiscal impact or policy changes.
  • Its effect is honors-based and symbolic, aimed at recognizing cultural contributions and promoting awareness of artistic diversity.

Bottom Line

HJR 576 formally honors Maya Turner for two decades of artistic work, highlights her role in enriching Tennessee’s arts scene, and acknowledges the personal dimensions of her work related to epilepsy. The resolution is a ceremonial tribute, now effective following gubernatorial signature.

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

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