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SJR 1235

Memorials, Retirement - Scott Sutherland, Senior Deputy Attorney General -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Raumesh Akbari

SJR 1235 formally honors Senior Deputy Attorney General Scott Sutherland for fifteen years of public service and leadership, best wishes for his retirement.

Transmitted to Governor for action.
#memorials #retirement
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Bill Summary · SJR 1235

Summary of Senate Joint Resolution 1235 (SJR 1235) – Tennessee, 114th General Assembly

Purpose and Intent

  • SJR 1235 is a memorial resolution honoring and recognizing Senior Deputy Attorney General Scott Sutherland upon his retirement from the Tennessee Attorney General and Reporter’s Office.
  • The resolution expresses appreciation for his fifteen years of public service to the State of Tennessee and extols his professional conduct, leadership, integrity, and contributions to justice, public trust, and the defense of Tennessee laws.

Key Provisions and Provisions Details

  • Formal commendation: The resolution commends Sutherland for his career in public service, including roles in:
    • Criminal Appeals Division (initial Tennessee service in 2011)
    • Deputy Attorney General of the Law Enforcement and Special Prosecutions Division
    • Senior Deputy Attorney General of the Civil Law Section
  • Personal and professional background:
    • Education: Bachelor of Arts from Georgetown College; Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law
  • Character and impact statements:
    • Describes Sutherland as an exceptional lawyer and leader
    • Notes his kindness, respectfulness, and ethical standards in interactions with colleagues, litigants, and others
    • Highlights his commitment to public service, willingness to sacrifice personal time
    • Acknowledges his defense of victims, public corruption investigations, and defense of state laws
    • Credits him with mentoring and developing other attorneys who remain with the state
    • Mentions his recognition: Attorney General and Reporter’s 2023 William M. Leech Jr. Award
  • Retirement and closing sentiment:
    • States that he is retiring at the end of the fiscal year
    • Asserts that while his office may be filled, he cannot be truly replaced
    • Includes a formal vote of honor by the Senate (and concurrence by the House) with best wishes for retirement

Who/What Is Affected

  • Individual: Scott Sutherland (Senior Deputy Attorney General)
  • Governmental recognition: The State of Tennessee, including both chambers of the General Assembly
  • No changes to laws, budgets, or programs; this is a ceremonial, honorary resolution

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status and action history:
    • Filed for introduction: 2026-04-20
    • Introduced and passed First Consideration: 2026-04-21
    • Passed on Second Consideration and referred to Senate Calendar Committee: 2026-04-22
  • Legislative effect:
    • Acknowledges and honors an individual; such resolutions are typically ceremonial and do not create duties, fiscal impacts, or legal changes
    • An appropriate copy may be prepared for presentation; text indicates the usual formalities for memorial resolutions

Overall Assessment

  • SJR 1235 serves as a formal commemorative tribute to Scott Sutherland's fifteen-year tenure and notable contributions to Tennessee’s justice system and public service.
  • It provides a narrative of his career, character, and impact, culminating in best wishes for his retirement.
  • No substantive policy changes, funding, or statutory amendments are included.

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

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