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HJR 78

Memorials, Recognition - Native Plant Month -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Greg Vital

Designates April 2025 as Tennessee Native Plant Month to raise public awareness of native plants' ecological and economic benefits, in partnership with the Garden Club of America.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 78

Summary: HJR 78 — Tennessee Native Plant Month

Overview

HJR 78 is a joint resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the Governor. Introduced on November 12, 2024, the measure designates April 2025 as “Tennessee Native Plant Month” in collaboration with the Garden Club of America. It seeks to raise public awareness of the value of native plants for ecosystems, pollinators, and the state’s economy and health.

What the bill does

  • Declares April 2025 as Tennessee Native Plant Month.
  • Recognizes the importance of native plants, which are adapted to Tennessee’s soils and climate and provide essential habitat and resources for wildlife.
  • Emphasizes collaboration with Tennessee affiliates of The Garden Club of America to celebrate and promote native plants.
  • Expresses the intent to educate the public about the environmental and ecological benefits of native plants, including air and water quality improvements, soil stabilization, and support for pollinators and wildlife.
  • Requests the preparation of an appropriate copy of the resolution for presentation (with minor formatting provisions to the published copy).

Key provisions and content

  • It is a concurrent or joint resolution, not a law creating a new mandate or program.
  • Highlights Tennessee’s biodiversity, noting more than 2,400 native plant species and several federally listed rare plants (e.g., Pyne's ground plum, Ruth’s golden aster, Spring Creek bladderpod).
  • Frames native plants as the preferred option for sustainable environmental stewardship in Tennessee.
  • Contains standard “Be It Resolved” language commonly used for memorializations and recognitions.

Fiscal impact

  • Fiscal Note (March 20, 2025) indicates a NOT SIGNIFICANT fiscal impact.
  • The resolution does not create a legal holiday; any state/local expenditure to prepare a copy of the resolution is considered not significant.

Legislative history and timeline

  • Introduced: November 12, 2024.
  • House: Engrossed February 5, 2025; adopted with unanimous support (91-0); sponsor additions in February–March 2025.
  • Senate: Referred to committees in February; conferred and concurred with House on March 31, 2025 (Ayes 30–0).
  • Final actions: Enrolled and transmitted to the Governor; signed by the Governor on April 7, 2025.
  • Status: Signed by Governor; effective as a formal recognition by the General Assembly.

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: The Tennessee public, through increased awareness of native plants and their role in ecosystems.
  • Collaborating organization: The Garden Club of America (Tennessee affiliates) as a partner in observance and education.
  • No new regulatory duties or state program expenditures are imposed on state agencies.

Practical impact

  • Encourages educational outreach and awareness campaigns about native plants.
  • Promotes recognition of Tennessee’s native biodiversity and its importance to pollinators, wildlife, and ecological health.
  • Serves as a ceremonial expression of support rather than creating enforceable requirements or budgetary obligations.

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

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