Memorials, Retirement - Trooper William Bennett -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Pody

The bill creates a ceremonial memorial recognizing Trooper William Bennett’s life and service within official state records, without imposing new laws or programs.

Transmitted to Governor for action.

#memorials #retirement

What the bill is and its purpose

Type: Senate Joint Resolution (SJR)

Title: Memorials, Retirement – Trooper William Bennett

Purpose: The resolution memorializes the life and service of Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper William Bennett and requests appropriate recognition. It also functions as a memorial/journal entry typically used to honor a fallen law enforcement officer or to recognize service and sacrifice.

Note: As a joint resolution, SJR 1252 is primarily a commemorative measure rather than one that creates new law or imposes regulatory requirements.

Key provisions and changes

The bill designates public acknowledgment and formal memorialization of Trooper William Bennett’s life.

It provides a ceremonial acknowledgement within the official records and/or commemorative sections of state government, consistent with other memorial resolutions.

Specific operative elements (shared characteristics of similar memorials):
- Resolution language that recognizes Trooper Bennett’s service, duty, and sacrifice.
- A statement of respect and tribute by the General Assembly.
- Potential references to the dates and capacity of service (e.g., role with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, district assignment, years of service).

Who or what is affected

Individuals affected: Trooper William Bennett (honorary recognition of his service and sacrifice).

Institutions affected: Tennessee General Assembly and Tennessee state government bodies responsible for official memorials and records.

General public: Citizens and communities served by the Tennessee Highway Patrol who may seek to honor fallen officers; broader recognition within state commemorations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and Sponsors: Introduced and authored with sponsor(s) and co-sponsor(s) (Co-sponsor: Mark Pody).

House Action: The bill was presented in the Senate and transmitted to the House; on April 21–22, 2026, it progressed through the House with actions including engrossment and Rules suspension, and it was placed on the House calendar for consent.

House Passage: The House concurred on April 22, 2026, with a favorable vote (Ayes 93, Nays 0, PNV 0).

Senate Action: Following House approval, the measure was enrolled and sent to the Governor; it was signed by the Senate Speaker on April 29, 2026.

Executive Action: The bill was transmitted to the Governor for action on May 5, 2026, indicating it has completed the legislative approval process and awaits (or has received) gubernatorial sign-off.

Summary of impact

SJR 1252 serves as a ceremonial memorial recognizing Trooper William Bennett and his service.

It does not create or modify statutory requirements or programs; rather, it formalizes a public tribute within Tennessee’s official records and commemorations.

The bill reflects a broader practice of the Legislature to acknowledge and honor law enforcement officers who have served the state.

If you’d like, I can provide a brief comparison to other similar memorial resolutions (timing, language, and typical effects) or tailor the summary for a particular audience (e.g., law enforcement, policymakers, or the general public).

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