Memorials, Recognition - Representative Harold M. Love, Jr., induction into the Board of Preachers at the 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. College of Ministers and Laity at Morehouse College -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Karen Camper

The bill ceremonialy honors Rep. Harold M. Love, Jr. for being inducted into the Board of Preachers at the MLK College of Ministers and Laity ceremony.

Signed by Governor.

#memorials #recognition

Purpose

HJR 1439 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing and honoring Representative Harold M. Love, Jr. of Nashville for his induction into the Board of Preachers at the 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. College of Ministers and Laity ceremony at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. The resolution officially commends his accomplishments and public service.

Key Provisions and Changes

The resolution acknowledges that it is fitting for the General Assembly to recognize colleagues who achieve notable professional milestones.

It notes the specific honor: induction into the Board of Preachers at the 41st Annual MLK College of Ministers and Laity ceremony.

It provides a brief biographical overview of Harold M. Love, Jr., including:

Ordination as an elder in the AME Church in 1999.
Current role as pastor of Lee Chapel AME Church in Nashville; former pastor of Hopewell AME Church (Columbia) and presiding elder of the South Nashville District.
Education: Whites Creek High School (1990), undergraduate degree from Tennessee State University, Master’s degree from Vanderbilt University Divinity School, Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Tennessee State University.
Public service roles: member of the Tennessee House committees (Finance, Ways and Means; Insurance; TennCare Subcommittee) and the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations.
Leadership and affiliations: Assistant Leader of the House Democratic Caucus; President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.
Community involvement: Mason and Shriner; board member of the 18 Avenue Family Enrichment Center.

The resolution states it is appropriate to recognize Representative Love on this occasion.

Who/What Is Affected

The primary beneficiary is Representative Harold M. Love, Jr., whose achievement is formally acknowledged by the Tennessee General Assembly.

The resolution serves as a ceremonial commendation and does not create new law, funding, or policy requirements.

It may have symbolic or reputational impact for Representative Love and his constituents, and it reflects bipartisan acknowledgment within the Legislature.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Sponsor: Karen Camper (Co-sponsor)

Introduction actions:

Filed for introduction on April 15, 2026.
Placed on the House consent calendar for April 16, 2026.
Adopted in the House on April 16, 2026 (Ayes 92, Nays 0, PNV 0); message sent to the Senate.

The bill has no Senate text; it is a joint resolution commemorating an individual achievement.

Final clause indicates the typical ceremonial language: to present an appropriate copy of the resolution, omitting certain formalities.

Overall Assessment

HJR 1439 is a non-substantive, ceremonial resolution meant to publicly honor and recognize a Tennessee legislator for an external honor (induction into a national religious organization’s Board of Preachers). It does not alter law or policy and serves as an official, public acknowledgment of achievement.

Bill