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HJR 1254

Memorials, Recognition - Will Taylor -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Kelly Keisling

The resolution formally honors Will Taylor for his leadership in recovery advocacy and his role in strengthening Tennessee’s behavioral health efforts.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · HJR 1254

Summary of House Joint Resolution 1254 (HJR 1254), 114th Tennessee General Assembly

Note: This is a memorial resolution recognizing an individual for leadership in recovery advocacy. It does not propose statutory changes or allocate funds.

Purpose and Intent

  • HJR 1254 honors Will Taylor for his leadership in recovery advocacy and his service to the people of Tennessee.
  • The resolution commends Taylor’s work in mental health and substance use disorder recovery, highlighting his contributions to strengthening behavioral health systems, collaboration among state agencies, treatment providers, faith communities, and local organizations.
  • It recognizes his role in advancing Tennessee’s recovery ecosystem and reducing stigma through public engagement and advocacy.

Key Provisions and Content

  • Formal commendation: The Tennessee General Assembly expresses appreciation for Will Taylor’s leadership and dedication to recovery advocacy.
  • Emphasis on impact: The resolution notes Taylor’s:
    • Professional experience and lived experience informing his approach to long-term recovery.
    • Work with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (specifically the Faith Based Initiative) and leadership in nonprofit treatment fields.
    • Development and operation of outpatient and residential addiction treatment programs.
    • Promotion of recovery-focused community engagement, collaboration across public institutions, faith leaders, nonprofits, and individuals with lived experience.
    • Involvement with Recovery Is The New High, an advocacy initiative aimed at reducing stigma and promoting recovery through education and community engagement.
  • Recognition of broader movement: Frames Taylor as part of Tennessee’s evolving recovery ecosystem focused on collaboration, community well-being, and public health.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Primary beneficiary: Will Taylor (honoree) and, more broadly, the public acknowledgment of recovery advocacy leaders.
  • Indirect impact: Public awareness and legitimacy of recovery-focused efforts in Tennessee, including collaboration among state agencies, treatment providers, faith communities, and advocacy organizations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative action: The resolution has advanced through typical joint resolution steps to memorialize a citizen.
  • Recent actions (as recorded):
    • Introduced and placed on consent calendar in early April 2026.
    • Passed House and then Senate with unanimous or near-unanimous support (as indicated by vote tallies: House adoption 90-0 with 2 not voting; Senate concurrence with a 31-0 vote).
    • Transmitted to the Governor for action and subsequently signed by both House Speaker and Senate leadership.
    • Effective status: Becomes an official memorial resolution upon signing.
  • No fiscal provisions or enforceable regulatory changes are included; the document serves as formal recognition.

Bottom Line

HJR 1254 is a ceremonial, non-binding resolution that formally honors Will Taylor for his leadership in recovery advocacy and his contributions to Tennessee’s behavioral health initiatives and communities. It highlights the importance of collaboration, stigma reduction, and recovery-oriented practices in public health.

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

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