SJR 959 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Memorials, Recognition - Dr. Carroll Van West -

This bill is a Senate Joint Resolution that formally honors and commends Dr. Carroll Van West for his more than forty years of dedicated service to the history and preservation of Tennessee. The resolution recognizes his extensive work as a historian, educator, and director of the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University, where he has helped save historic sites, develop trails, and publish significant historical works. Dr. Van West was named Tennessee State Historian in 2013 and has authored numerous publications on Tennessee history and culture. The bill does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official expression of appreciation from the state legislature for his contributions to preserving the state's heritage.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Mar 23, 2026 Signed Apr 16, 2026
Floor votes · Senate Mar 30, 2026 · House Apr 6, 2026

How they voted

33–0
Passed
Total votes 33
Mar 30, 2026
D Democratic6
6 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican27
27 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
14
Key actions
5
Committee
1
Apr 16, 2026
Signed into law
Signed by Governor.
Apr 7, 2026
Senate · Passed
Signed by Senate Speaker
Apr 7, 2026
House · Passed
Signed by H. Speaker
Apr 6, 2026
House · Passed
Concurred, Ayes 90, Nays 0, PNV 2
Mar 30, 2026
Senate · Passed
Adopted, Ayes 33, Nays 0
Mar 26, 2026
Senate · Referred to committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
Mar 23, 2026
House · Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson
RRepublican
TN
27