Memorials, Recognition - Sudden Unexplained Death in Children Awareness Month -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Bob Freeman

Ceremonial Tennessee House resolution recognizing SUDC Awareness Month, honoring Asher James Lee, and urging public support for the SUDC Foundation to raise awareness and research.

Objected to on Consent Calendar.

#memorials #recognition

Summary: House Joint Resolution 309 (HJR 309) – Sudden Unexplained Death in Children Awareness Month

Purpose and intent

HJR 309 is a ceremonial, non-binding joint resolution in the Tennessee General Assembly.

The bill aims to commemorate Sudden Unexplained Death in Children (SUDC) Awareness Month in Tennessee and to honor a specific individual, Asher James Lee of Nashville, for March 2025.

The resolution underscores the seriousness of SUDC as a cause of death in young children and encourages public awareness and engagement with the issue.

Key provisions

Acknowledges that SUDC is the fifth leading cause of death for children aged one to four.

Defines SUDC as death that is ruled to be SUDC after thorough investigation when no other cause is identified.

Highlights the SUDC Foundation as the primary global nonprofit focused on awareness, research funding, and support for families affected by SUDC.

States that the SUDC Foundation contributes to bereaved families and supports medical research into potential causes (e.g., undiagnosed heart arrhythmias, febrile seizures) and potential preventive solutions.

Declares that SUDC Awareness Month will foster community and shared purpose among those affected and encourages all Tennessee citizens to support the SUDC Foundation and efforts to reduce unexplained deaths in children.

Provides that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation, with minor formatting language specified to omit certain official labelling in the copy.

Who/what is affected

Families affected by SUDC and (through advocacy) the broader Tennessee public are the focus of awareness efforts.

The SUDC Foundation is acknowledged as a key partner in awareness, research, and support activities.

The Tennessee General Assembly serves as the formal recognizing body, signaling state-level endorsement and visibility for the issue.

Procedural and timeline details

Introduced: March 4, 2025.

Scheduled action: Placed on House consent calendar for March 10, 2025.

Status updates: Withdrawn on March 10, 2025; listed as objected to on the Consent Calendar on March 10, 2025.

Legislative classification: Joint resolution (a ceremonial, commemorative measure, not a law creating duties or new programs).

Version note: The text explicitly designates the memorial purpose and the March 2025 commemoration, including the honor to Asher James Lee.

Fiscal/operational impact

No new funding, appropriation, or mandatory program requirements are indicated.

The resolution is symbolic and educational in nature, relying on public awareness rather than state expenditure or regulatory changes.

Notable details

The measure emphasizes public involvement in supporting SUDC awareness and research.

The text includes language about presenting a copy of the resolution and the state seal formatting considerations.