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HJR 1435

Memorials, Retirement - Bobby Trotter, Chief Sergeant-at-Arms -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jeremy Faison

The bill formally recognizes Bobby Trotter for his long, diverse public service in Tennessee state security and legislative roles.

Received from House, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
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Bill Summary · HJR 1435

Summary of House Joint Resolution 1435 (HJR 1435) – Tennessee, 114th General Assembly

Purpose

  • Commends and honors Bobby Washington Trotter on the occasion of his retirement.
  • Recognizes his long career in public service, specifically his roles with the Tennessee House of Representatives and broader Capitol security service.
  • Extends best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • declarative resolution praising Bobby Trotter for meritorious service
    • Tracks his career trajectory:
    • Tennessee Highway Patrol Road Trooper (1974–1986)
    • Governor Ned McWherter’s security detail (1986–1994)
    • Security detail for Governor Don Sundquist (dates implied)
    • Captain of the Tennessee State Capitol and Legislature Security Detail (2001–2008)
    • Sergeant-at-Arms for the Tennessee House of Representatives (2008–2019)
    • Chief Sergeant-at-Arms for the Tennessee House of Representatives (2019–retirement)
  • Acknowledges personal and community service
    • Springfield Ward 2 Alderman (2014–2022, re-elected in 2018 and 2022)
    • Personal milestones and family: married to Ruth; two daughters (Tasha and Tamara, the latter deceased); grandchildren
    • Noted experiences such as meeting Rosa Parks, attending presidential inaugurations and both Democratic and Republican National Conventions, and handshakes with five U.S. Presidents (Reagan, Carter, Clinton, Bush, Obama)
  • Formal gesture
    • Provides for an official copy of the resolution to be presented, with language formatting specifics as customary legislative practice

Who Is Affected

  • Bobby Trotter: formally recognized and honored by both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly.
  • The Tennessee General Assembly and its staff: benefit from a ceremonial resolution acknowledging dedicated service.
  • The broader community and constituency served by Trotter: gains visibility of public service legacy.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • Sponsorship:
    • Primary sponsor: Representative Faison
    • Co-sponsor: Jeremy Faison
  • Legislative action timeline:
    • Introduced and filed for introduction on 2026-04-14
    • Placed on House consent calendar for 2026-04-15
    • Passed the House on 2026-04-15 with unanimous support (Ayes 90, Nays 0, PNV 2)
    • Engrossed and transmitted to Senate on 2026-04-16
    • Senate concurrence achieved with full support (Ayes 87, Nays 0, PNV 1) and final adoption same day
  • Final form:
    • A memorial resolution; contains customary concluding clause that allows the language to appear without specific House/Senate designation on the final copy

Potential Impact

  • Non-substantive ceremonial impact: formally acknowledges a long and diverse career in state security and legislative administration.
  • Administrative impact: none beyond standard ceremonial publication and presentation practices.
  • Public recognition: highlights a notable public servant’s career arc, potentially serving as a resource for future profiles or commemorations.

If you’d like, I can extract citations or create a condensed one-paragraph blurb suitable for quick reference.

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

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