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HJR 665

Memorials, Recognition - Norma Binkley, Governor's Volunteer Stars Award -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Mary Littleton

Honors Norma Binkley with the Governor's Volunteer Stars Award; publicly recognizes Tennessee volunteers and leadership in promoting social connection and reducing loneliness.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 665

Summary of HJR 665 (Memorials, Recognition – Norma Binkley, Governor's Volunteer Stars Award)

Overview

  • Type: House Joint Resolution (ceremonial/recognition)
  • Title: Memorials, Recognition - Norma Binkley, Governor's Volunteer Stars Award
  • Status: Signed by Governor (enacted as a memorial resolution)
  • Introduced: April 16, 2025
  • Sponsor: Representative Littleton (primary)
  • Subject: Memorials and recognition of volunteers

Purpose and intent

  • The bill honors and congratulates Norma Binkley of Cheatham County for receiving the Governor’s Volunteer Stars Award.
  • It emphasizes the value of volunteerism in Tennessee, citing statewide statistics on volunteers, hours, economic impact, and community service as context for recognizing individual contributions.
  • The resolution praises Binkley’s leadership and specific work aimed at addressing loneliness and fostering community connections.

Key provisions and language

  • Acknowledges that Tennessee’s volunteers collectively contribute significant time and economic value to the state’s communities.
  • Recognizes Norma Binkley for her role in promoting social connection and addressing social isolation through organized events and coordination at a 1950s-era building.
  • States that Binkley, with her husband, maintains the building (historical property that had previously not been owned or sold) and uses it to bring people together.
  • Declares the House and Senate’s honor and congratulations to Binkley and extends best wishes for future success.
  • The resolution includes a provision for an appropriate copy to be prepared and presented, with a formatting note regarding language following the State seal.

Affected parties and impact

  • Primary: Norma Binkley (recipient of the Governor’s Volunteer Stars Award)
  • Secondary: The broader Tennessee volunteer and community-service landscape, by highlighting the value of volunteerism and leadership in addressing loneliness.
  • Legal/policy impact: None substantive or fiscal. This is a ceremonial acknowledgment, not a change in law or public policy.

Procedural history and timeline

  • 2025-04-16: Filed for introduction; placed on House consent calendar
  • 2025-04-17: Adopted in House (Ayes 95, Nays 0, PNV 0); engrossed; sponsor added
  • 2025-04-21–04-22: Transmitted to Senate; placed on Senate Consent Calendar; Senate concurred (Ayes 33, Nays 0) on 2025-04-22
  • 2025-04-28: Enrolled; prepared for signature by House Speaker (signed)
  • 2025-04-29: Transmitted to Governor; Senate Speaker signed
  • 2025-05-02: Governor signed the resolution into law

Sponsor and designation

  • Sponsor (primary): Rep. Littleton
  • Classification: Joint resolution (concurrent memorializing measure)

Context and significance

  • The resolution sits within Tennessee’s tradition of publicly recognizing volunteers and public service.
  • It highlights the Governor’s Volunteer Stars Award program and uses Binkley’s example to illustrate how volunteer leadership can address social issues such as loneliness.
  • As a ceremonial instrument, it serves to publicly commend individual service and encourage continued community involvement without imposing new legal obligations or funding requirements.

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

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