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HJR 666

Memorials, Recognition - Rachel Ahlheit, Governor's Volunteer Stars Award -

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

HJR 666 formally honors Rachel Ahlheit for outstanding volunteer leadership and highlights Tennessee’s volunteer impact and her global, national, and local service.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 666

Summary of House Joint Resolution 666 (HJR 666)

Overview

HJR 666 is a memorial, joint resolution commemorating and congratulating Rachel Ahlheit for receiving the Governor's Volunteer Stars Award. The resolution is ceremonial in nature, recognizing volunteer service and community leadership. It has been signed by the Governor and is effective as a matter of statewide acknowledgment.

Purpose and Intent

  • Honor Rachel Ahlheit for her dedication to volunteerism and community service.
  • Highlight the importance of volunteers in Tennessee, reinforcing the state’s “Volunteer State” identity.
  • Recognize contributions both locally (Dickson County) and globally (teacher and volunteer experiences abroad).

Key Provisions

  • Declares that the Tennessee General Assembly honors Rachel Ahlheit for outstanding community leadership and congratulates her as a Governor's Volunteer Stars Award recipient.
  • Includes a brief statement of Tennessee’s volunteer context, noting that Tennessee has about 1.3 million volunteers contributing over 99 million hours and $2.6 billion to the state's economy each year.
  • Describes Ahlheit’s notable activities:
    • International: taught agriculture and STEM in Botswana and inspired students at LEAP Science and Math School in South Africa.
    • National/State: contributed to the Alaska State Fairgrounds improvements and shared agricultural practices from Tennessee.
    • Local: supports Dickson County 4-H, assists with STEM lessons for third-graders, and volunteers at her church nursery.
  • Provides for the preparation of an appropriate copy of the resolution, and allows the language following the State seal to appear without House/Senate designation in such copy.

Beneficiaries and Impact

  • Primary beneficiary: Rachel Ahlheit, recognizing her volunteer leadership.
  • Broader impact: reinforces public appreciation for volunteerism, highlights voluntary contributions as essential to community well-being, and serves as a model for civic engagement in Tennessee.

Legislative History and Timeline

  • Introduced: April 16, 2025 (Sponsor: Rep. Littleton).
  • Passed House: April 17 (adopted; 95 ayes, 0 nays, 0 PNV); placed on House consent calendar for April 17.
  • Passed Senate: April 21–22 (concurred, Ayes 33, Nays 0).
  • Enrolled and transmitted to Governor: April 28–29, 2025.
  • Signed by Governor: May 2, 2025.

Sponsor

  • Primary sponsor: Littleton.

Notes on Effect and Scope

  • The resolution is ceremonial and does not enact or fund new programs, regulations, or duties.
  • It serves as an official commendation from both chambers of the General Assembly, signaling statewide recognition of exemplary volunteer service.

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

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